George Raveling, who passed away on September 1, 2025, had an estimated net worth of $4 million to $10 million, thanks to his decades-long success as a college basketball coach and a senior executive at Nike. His wealth was built not only through coaching at powerhouses like Washington State, Iowa, and USC but also as Nike’s global basketball sports marketing director, where he played a pivotal role in launching the Michael Jordan Nike deal—the move that forever changed the landscape of sports marketing.
Discovering George Raveling’s Early Life: Overcoming Loss and Finding Basketball
Raised in Washington, D.C., and orphaned at a young age, Raveling’s journey began with adversity. Despite losing both parents before the age of 13, he secured admission to Villanova University and flourished on the basketball court, later earning his place in collegiate sports history[1].
Raveling’s Coaching Career: Breaking Records and Changing Lives
- Head coach at Washington State (1972–1983), Iowa (1983–1986), and USC (1986–1994)
- Led teams to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and won Pac-10 Coach of the Year three times
- Retired after a life-threatening car crash in 1994, which forever changed his trajectory.
The Nike Era: Building Billion-Dollar Legends
After his coaching career, George Raveling joined Nike and soon became their global basketball sports marketing director. He is credited with bringing Michael Jordan to Nike, a business move that not only made Jordan a billionaire but also played a vital role in Nike’s rise as a global brand. Raveling’s visionary leadership at Nike spanned over 30 years.
The Mark Raveling Legacy: Family That Keeps Giving Back
George’s son, Mark Raveling, has also made a name for himself in the sports marketing industry, previously working with the Jordan Brand and now as a director at Elfus Sports Management. Mark continues to honor his father’s legacy by mentoring athletes and influencing sports business behind the scenes.
Raveling’s Connection to Martin Luther King Jr.: Owning History
In 1963, while volunteering at the March on Washington, Raveling received the original copy of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech—a historic artifact he preserved for decades before gifting it to Villanova University. This gesture cemented his place in American civil rights history.
Key Stats: Height, Books, Awards, and Influence
- Height: 6’6″ (198 cm)
- Books:
- “War on the Boards”
- “A Rebounder’s Workshop”
- “What You’re Made For: Powerful Life Lessons From My Career in Sports”
- Major Awards: Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, College Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
Quick Facts About George Ravelin
- Total coaching record: 335 wins, 293 losses
- Honored as one of the most influential coaches in college basketball history
- Played a critical role in the creation of the Air Jordan brand.
Responsive Table: Raveling’s Life & Career Highlights
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $4 million–$10 million |
| Height | 6’6” (198 cm) |
| Family | Son: Mark Raveling |
| Nike Role | Global Sports Marketing |
| Hall of Fame | Yes (Naismith, College) |
| Birthplace | Washington, D.C. |
| Awards | Multiple national honors |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was George Raveling’s net worth when he died?
A: His estimated net worth ranged from $4 million to $10 million.
Q: How did George Raveling become famous?
A: Through groundbreaking work as a coach, Nike executive, and for his pivotal role in the Air Jordan launch.
Q: What is Mark Raveling’s role in sports?
A: Mark is an executive with years of experience at Jordan Brand and Elfus Sports Management.
Q: Did George Raveling really own the MLK ‘I Have a Dream’ speech?
A: Yes, he received and preserved the original speech copy before donating it to Villanova University.
Conclusion
George Raveling’s life was a story of overcoming adversity, breaking barriers, and using his wisdom to change the sports and civil rights landscape. His legacy is felt in billions of dollars generated by the Air Jordan brand, in the lives of athletes he mentored, and in his role as a cherished family man.
Disclaimer: The net worth figures are estimates based on his career earnings and public information. Actual wealth may vary. All data above has been carefully checked against news, open data, and public sources for accuracy.