Providence to receive $1.1B from Nike co-founder to build women's health hospital in Oregon
Phil and Penny Knight have pledged $1.1 billion to Providence to establish Oregon's first dedicated women's hospital at St. Vincent. The donation also supports statewide cardiovascular research and care expansion. This contribution ranks among the largest gifts ever made to a U.S. healthcare institution. A wellness talk regarding the initiative is scheduled for October 20. While the gift focuses on healthcare infrastructure, it has sparked reactions among University of Oregon faculty and students who feel overlooked by the donation.
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- ✓ Phil and Penny Knight pledged $1.1 billion to Providence.
- ✓ The funds will build Oregon's first women's hospital at St. Vincent.
- ✓ The donation supports the expansion of cardiovascular care and research across Oregon.
What changed
The hospital location is confirmed as St. Vincent and a women's wellness talk is scheduled for October 20.
Live updates
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Phil and Penny Knight Gift $1.1 Billion for Oregon Women's Hospital
Phil and Penny Knight have pledged $1.1 billion to Providence to establish Oregon's first dedicated women's hospital at St. Vincent. The donation also supports statewide cardiovascular research and care expansion. This contribution ranks among the largest gifts ever made to a U.S. healthcare institution. A wellness talk regarding the initiative is scheduled for October 20. While the gift focuses on healthcare infrastructure, it has sparked reactions among University of Oregon faculty and students who feel overlooked by the donation.
Why it matters
The gift targets critical medical infrastructure and specialized care facilities throughout Oregon. Phil Knight is a billionaire Nike co-founder and a primary benefactor for Oregon athletics. The investment arrives as the state manages other healthcare shifts, including the transition of McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center to a nonprofit.
What is confirmed
- Phil and Penny Knight pledged $1.1 billion to Providence.
- The funds will build Oregon's first women's hospital at St. Vincent.
- The donation supports the expansion of cardiovascular care and research across Oregon.
Still unconfirmed
- University of Oregon faculty and graduate students feel left out by the donation.
- Phil Knight's physical condition sparked health concerns among fans after he appeared at a Ducks game with a cane.
What to watch next
- The women's wellness talk on October 20.
- Official construction timelines for the St. Vincent facility.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (15)
- katu.com — Family Matters: $1.1B gift to Providence will fund Oregon
- popphilanthropy.substack.com — Phil and Penny Knight Commit $1.1 Billion to Help Build ...
- eugeneweekly.com — More Money, More Problems - Eugene Weekly
- www.ibtimes.co.uk — Nike, NSAF Face Lawsuit After 16-Year-Old Athlete Allegedly ...
- www.klcc.org — State approves transitioning owner of McKenzie-Willamette ...
- www.dailymail.com — Nike founder Phil Knight sparks health fears in 'sad' footage of him arriving to watch Oregon after $1BN ....
- tmspn.com — Nike Co-Founder Phil Knight, 88, Sparks Concern Among Oregon ...
- internewscast.com — Nike Co-Founder Phil Knight Raises Health Concerns at Oregon-UCLA
- www.si.com — Phil Knight’s Presence Adds a Deeper Meaning to Oregon’s UCLA ...
- www.forbes.com — Jonathan Nelson - Forbes
- www.southwhidbeyrecord.com — ‘Star Trek’ lawsuit enters Whidbey’s orbit - South Whidbey Record
- www.ragtrader.com.au — Nike Australia sales near $1b, inventory grows - Ragtrader
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Phil Knight Pledges $1.1 Billion for Oregon Women's Health Hospital
Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife Penny pledged $1.1 billion to Providence to build Oregon's first hospital dedicated to women's health. The donation also funds the expansion of cardiovascular care and research across the state. This contribution is among the largest gifts ever pledged to a U.S. healthcare institution. The funds target medical infrastructure upgrades and the creation of specialized care facilities throughout Oregon.
Why it matters
Phil Knight is the chairman emeritus and co-founder of Nike, Inc. and owner of the film company Laika. He is a graduate of the University of Oregon and Stanford Graduate School of Business.
What is confirmed
- Phil Knight is the co-founder and chairman emeritus of Nike, Inc.
- Phil Knight is the owner of the stop motion film production company Laika.
- Phil Knight graduated from the University of Oregon and the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Still unconfirmed
- Forbes estimated Phil Knight's net worth at US$35.4 billion as of October 2025.
- Phil Knight and his wife Penny pledged $1.1 billion to Providence for a women's health hospital and cardiovascular research.
What to watch next
- Groundbreaking date for the women's health hospital
- Detailed allocation of funds for cardiovascular research
- Providence project timeline for infrastructure upgrades
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.yahoo.com — Why Designer Brands Is Closing its Corporate Offices ... - Yahoo
- en.wikipedia.org — Phil Knight - Wikipedia
- www.forbes.com — Phil Knight & family - Forbes
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Phil and Penny Knight pledge $1.1 billion to Providence for women's health
Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife, Penny, pledged $1.1 billion to Providence to establish Oregon's first hospital dedicated to women's health. The funds will also support the expansion of cardiovascular research and care across the state. This contribution ranks as one of the largest gifts ever pledged to a U.S. healthcare institution. The donation focuses on upgrading medical infrastructure and providing specialized care facilities throughout Oregon.
Why it matters
The healthcare gift follows a separate $1 billion donation from Phil Knight to the University of Oregon for an engineering school. This latter gift is cited as the largest ever given to a public university. Together, these contributions represent a massive private investment in Oregon's academic and medical systems.
What is confirmed
- Phil and Penny Knight pledged $1.1 billion to Providence.
- The funds will build Oregon's first hospital dedicated to women's health.
- Phil Knight gave $1 billion to the University of Oregon.
Still unconfirmed
- The Providence gift is one of the largest ever pledged to a U.S. healthcare institution.
- The donation will expand cardiovascular care and research statewide.
What to watch next
- Announcement of the hospital location and construction timeline.
- Details on the specific cardiovascular research programs being funded.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — Nike co-founder Phil Knight gives alma mater University of Oregon $1 billion, biggest-ever public univers....
- heartlandjournal.com — Providence to receive $1.1B from Nike co-founder to build ...
- www.wweek.com — Health - Willamette Week
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Phil and Penny Knight pledge $1.1B for Oregon women's hospital
Billionaires Phil and Penny Knight have committed $1.1 billion to Providence to build Oregon's first hospital dedicated to women's health and expand cardiovascular care and research statewide. The donation aims to overhaul medical infrastructure in Oregon by providing specialized care facilities. This pledge follows their separate $1 billion contribution to launch an engineering school at the University of Oregon.
Why it matters
The Knights' philanthropic efforts focus on improving healthcare and education in Oregon. Their donation to Providence will create a comprehensive women's health hospital and enhance heart care services. This move addresses the need for specialized medical facilities in the state.
What is confirmed
- Phil and Penny Knight committed $1.1 billion to Providence St. Vincent Medical Center and the Providence Heart Institute.
- The donation will build Oregon's first hospital dedicated to women's health.
- The gift will also expand cardiovascular care, research, and training.
- The Knights separately donated $1 billion to the University of Oregon to launch a new engineering school.
What to watch next
- Construction timeline for the women's hospital
- Details on the planned engineering school at the University of Oregon
- Impact of the Knights' donations on Oregon's healthcare and education sectors
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (10)
- www.yahoo.com — Nike Co-Founder Pledges $1.1B for Oregon Women’s Hospital
- www.decaturdaily.com — $1.1 billion from Nike co-founder will build Oregon's first women's hospital
- hoodline.com — Knights Commit $1.1B to Providence for a Women's Hospital and
- www.kptv.com — Nike co-founder Phil Knight donates $1B to Oregon - KPTV
- blog.providence.org — Phil and Penny Knight make historic gift of $1.1 billion to ...
- herforward.com — Knights Commit $1.1 Billion to Build Oregon’s First Women’s ...
- www.theguardian.com — Nike co-founder gives $1bn to University of Oregon in ...
- www.insidehighered.com — Phil Knight Gifts Univ. of Oregon $1B for Engineering College
- philanthropistsnotebook.com — Phil and Penny Knight commit $1.1B to Providence St. Vincent ...
- article.wn.com — $1.1 billion from Nike co-founder will build Oregon's first ...
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Phil and Penny Knight Pledge $1.1B for Women's Hospital
Phil and Penny Knight are pledging $1.1 billion to Providence to construct Oregon's first hospital dedicated to women's health and to fund cardiovascular research. The massive philanthropic contribution aims to overhaul medical infrastructure in the state by providing specialized care facilities. This follows previous local reporting on the joint healthcare commitment directed toward Providence St. Vincent. Meanwhile, the Nike co-founder and his wife separately announced a $1 billion contribution to launch an engineering school at the University of Oregon on Wednesday, marking a historic week of mega-donations from the couple.
Why it matters
The massive injection of private capital directly addresses long-standing gaps in specialized medical infrastructure within Oregon. Phil and Penny Knight have a history of directing immense wealth toward regional institutions, particularly within education and healthcare. This latest hospital pledge specifically targets the distinct needs of female patients alongside expanded cardiovascular care capabilities.
What is confirmed
- Phil and Penny Knight are pledging $1.1 billion to Providence to build Oregon's first hospital dedicated to women's health and fund cardiovascular research.
Still unconfirmed
- Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife, Penny, announced a $1 billion contribution to launch an engineering school at the University of Oregon.
What to watch next
- Groundbreaking or construction timelines for the Providence women's health facility
- Further details on cardiovascular research programs funded by the pledge
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.klcc.org — Providence announces $1.1 billion pledge from Phil and Penny Knight
- www.spokesman.com — Phil and Penny Knight give $1B to launch UO engineering school
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Phil and Penny Knight pledge $1.1 billion to Providence for Oregon healthcare
Phil and Penny Knight have committed $1.1 billion to Providence to establish Oregon's first women's hospital and expand cardiovascular care. The funding will support Providence St. Vincent in the construction of the new women's health facility. This philanthropic gift represents a significant investment in the state's medical infrastructure, specifically targeting specialized care for women and cardiac patients.
Why it matters
Phil Knight co-founded Nike, providing the financial basis for this donation. The project introduces a specialized hospital model for women that previously did not exist in Oregon.
What is confirmed
- Phil and Penny Knight pledged $1.1 billion to Providence.
- The funds will be used to build a women's health hospital in Oregon.
- The donation supports Providence St. Vincent.
Still unconfirmed
- The donation will be used to expand cardiovascular care and establish Oregon's first women's hospital.
What to watch next
- Announcement of the specific location for the women's hospital
- Timeline for construction and opening of the facility
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (7)
- cnbc.com — Nike co-founder Phil Knight to donate $1.1 billion to Oregon medical center
- GeekWire — Providence to receive $1.1B from Nike co-founder to build women's health hospital in Oregon
- kgw.com — Phil and Penny Knight make historic $1.1B gift to Providence
- KPTV — Phil and Penny Knight pledge $1.1B to Providence
- KATU — Phil and Penny Knight give $1.1B to Providence St. Vincent, backing women's hospital
- Willamette Week — Providence St. Vincent Will Build Women’s Hospital With Huge New Donation From the Knights
- www.digitalhealthnews.com — Providence Receives $1.1 Bn Commitment for Cardiac Care and Oregon’s First Women’s Hospital
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