Basketball legend George Raveling, the visionary coach who helped build Nike’s empire by convincing Michael Jordan to sign with the company, has died at 88, leaving behind a transformative legacy that revolutionized sports marketing and mentored generations of athletes.
Story Overview
- Hall of Fame coach George Raveling passed away September 1, 2025, at age 88 after battling cancer
- Raveling was instrumental in convincing Michael Jordan to sign with Nike, transforming athlete endorsements forever
- He coached at Washington State, Iowa, and USC, compiling over 335 wins during his career
- Beyond sports, Raveling possessed Martin Luther King Jr.’s original “I Have a Dream” speech from the 1963 March on Washington
Pioneer Who Built Basketball’s Modern Foundation
George Raveling died peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 1, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born June 27, 1937, in Washington D.C., Raveling overcame tremendous childhood adversity including the loss of his father and his mother’s institutionalization. His journey from those humble beginnings to becoming one of basketball’s most influential figures exemplifies the American dream that conservatives cherish.
Coaching Excellence Across Three Major Programs
Raveling’s coaching career spanned over two decades at three major universities. He led Washington State from 1972-1983, Iowa from 1983-1986, and USC from 1986-1994, accumulating over 335 victories. His coaching philosophy emphasized discipline, academic excellence, and personal responsibility – values that resonate strongly with traditional American principles. Raveling’s commitment to developing young men extended far beyond basketball, focusing on character building and life preparation.
The coach’s career came to an abrupt end in 1994 following a serious car accident, but his impact on college basketball was already cemented. He was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport.
The Nike Partnership That Changed Sports Forever
After retiring from coaching, Raveling transitioned to Nike as their global basketball sports marketing director, where he made perhaps his most significant impact. Michael Jordan himself credited Raveling, not Sonny Vaccaro, as the key figure who convinced him to sign with Nike instead of Adidas. This partnership launched the Air Jordan brand and transformed athlete endorsements into the multi-billion dollar industry we know today.
Nike exec and Hall of Fame coach George Raveling dies at 88. More details: https://t.co/4hfh8ZxEif pic.twitter.com/AQLmIASDpr
— Complex (@Complex) September 2, 2025
Raveling’s business acumen and deep relationships within basketball circles made him invaluable to Nike’s expansion. His ability to identify talent and understand market dynamics helped establish Nike’s dominance in basketball marketing. This success story represents the kind of American entrepreneurship and innovation that drives our economy forward, creating jobs and building wealth through private enterprise rather than government intervention.
Legacy of American Values and Civil Rights Leadership
Beyond sports and business, Raveling participated in the historic 1963 March on Washington, where he obtained the original copy of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. His involvement in the civil rights movement demonstrated his commitment to equality and justice – principles fundamental to American constitutional values. Raveling’s approach to civil rights emphasized personal responsibility, education, and opportunity rather than government dependency, aligning with conservative principles of empowerment through individual achievement.
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Hall of Fame basketball coach George Raveling dies at 88
Hall of Fame basketball coach George Raveling dies at 88
USC Men’s Basketball Legend George Raveling Dies at 88
