After over 27 years as one of the most lucrative sports marketing partnerships, Tiger Woods and Nike will no longer work together.
Woods, a 15-time Major golf champion, announced the split on social media Monday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Driving the news: Woods expressed gratitude to Nike co-founder Phil Knight for their partnership over the years.
- Woods signed a $40 million deal with Nike in 1996 when he turned professional, which was later renewed and believed to be worth over $100 million.
- He has had one of the most successful careers in golf history, including him being the youngest to win the Grand Slam at only 24 years old and being the only player in history to hold all four major titles at the same time.
- On the golf course, Woods achieved significant milestones, including winning the Grand Slam, holding all four major titles simultaneously, and his 15-shot win at the U.S. Open, which is the largest margin for a major in golf history.
- In recent years, signs of a fractured relationship between Woods and Nike emerged. Woods had been wearing FootJoy shoes since his car crash in February 2021, and he continued to wear them during the PNC Championship.
What they’re saying: “Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world. The days since have been filled with so many amazing moments and memories, if I started naming them I could go on forever,” Woods said in a statement.
- “Phil Knight’s passion and vision brought this Nike and Nike Golf partnership together and I want to personally thank him, along with the Nike employees and incredible athletes I have had the pleasure of working with along the way. People will ask if there is another chapter. Yes, there will certainly be another chapter. See you in LA!”
