Paul Fireman, founder and longtime CEO of Reebok International, built one of the most recognizable athletic footwear and apparel brands by fusing performance design with global marketing. After acquiring the fledgling company in the late 1970s, Fireman drove Reebok’s explosive growth in the 1980s through aerobics, celebrity endorsements, and international expansion, turning it into a dominant force in sportswear. He later sold Reebok to Adidas in a multibillion-dollar deal and went on to invest in real estate, hospitality, and philanthropy, extending his influence beyond consumer brands.

Michael Rubin, founder and CEO of Fanatics, has transformed licensed sports merchandise into a data-driven global commerce and collectibles powerhouse, expanding into trading cards, sports betting, and live fan experiences. A serial entrepreneur who previously built and sold GSI Commerce to eBay, Rubin now sits at the center of the sports business ecosystem, leveraging deep league partnerships and technology to redefine how fans engage with teams and athletes. His high-profile leadership across commerce, culture, and philanthropy has made him one of the most influential figures in modern sports entrepreneurship.

Kevin Plank, founder and executive chairman of Under Armour, transformed an idea born from sweat-soaked T-shirts into a global performance apparel brand that redefined athletic wear. Launching Under Armour in 1996 from his grandmother’s basement, he introduced moisture-wicking compression gear to football teams and quickly expanded the brand across professional sports, retail, and international markets. Plank led Under Armour through explosive growth, celebrity partnerships, and a high-profile IPO, while cultivating a bold, challenger culture. After stepping back from the CEO role, he remains the company’s strategic force and a major investor in real estate and hospitality through Sagamore Ventures.

Philip Knight, cofounder and longtime CEO of Nike, built one of the most powerful consumer brands in the world by blending elite athletic performance with storytelling, design, and global marketing. Starting Nike as Blue Ribbon Sports in the 1960s, Knight transformed the company into a dominant force in footwear and apparel through athlete endorsements, relentless product innovation, and international expansion. Beyond business, he has become one of the world’s largest philanthropists, donating billions to education, healthcare, and scientific research. Knight’s career stands as a case study in brand creation at global scale.