In 1984, Nike is struggling in the sports shoe market and CEO Phil Knight needs a breakthrough. With Converse dominating the world of basketball, Nike is falling way behind. Shoe salesman Sonny Vaccaro is tasked with raising the profile of the division. He watches tape after tape of basketball rookies before spotting something extraordinary. Sure that this young rookie will go on to dominate the NBA, Sonny bets his entire future on the success of a young Michael Jordan. With a multi-sneaker deal in the offing, Sonny Vaccaro pitches Air Jordan to the world and waits for the response.