No company in the world spends as much money on sports sponsorships as Nike, which has spent a staggering total of $8 billion since 2002 alone, according to a CNNMoney analysis.

Nike spent nearly $1 billion on endorsements in the last 12 months which ended in May. And spending for the next year will probably surpass $1 billion. Nike’s endorsement spending generally increases by more than 10% a year, slightly faster than the company’s sales have grown.

“For as long as Nike been around, the face of the organization has been these high profile athletes. It’s part of their DNA,” said David Carter, executive director of USC’s Sports Business Group.

Lots of money went to superstar athletes such as LeBron James, Tiger Woods and of course Michael Jordan. But Nike also spends a lot on teams, leagues and college athletic programs.

Nike (NKE) does not break down how much of its endorsement dollars go to individuals, teams or leagues.

Carter said the spending will probably rise as Nike is increasingly forced to compete for the best sponsorship deals with companies like Adidas (ADDDF) and Under Armour (UA).

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