January 08, (THEWILL) – Golf icon, Tiger Woods, has ended his decades-long partnership with sportswear giant, Nike, after 27 years. The 48-year-old first signed with Nike in 1996 on a 5-year, $40 million contract. Since then, the relationship has netted Woods over $200 million and made him one of the most recognisable athlete endorsers in the world.
In a social media post on Monday, Woods thanked Nike co-founder, Phil Knight, for taking a chance on him as a 20-year-old and for the “amazing moments and memories” over the years representing the swoosh. Woods did indicate that there will be “another chapter” to come, likely referring to a new endorsement deal in the future.
Nike also posted a tribute to Woods, alluding to his history of epic comebacks and dramatic tournament wins. The posts suggest the split was amicable after nearly three decades. Woods first signed while turning professional in 1996 and inked a fresh 10-year deal in 2013.
Woods will return to competition later this month at the 2024 Genesis Invitational, at Riviera Country Club in California. Despite injuries and controversies over the years, the record 82-time PGA tour winner, remains one of the most popular figures in sport and will undoubtedly continue attracting sponsor interest even without Nike backing.
His pursuit of more major titles and the all-time tour wins record will have golf fans glued to the action as always. Woods will don different apparel for the first time in his illustrious career but his iconic swing and fist-pumping celebrations are not going anywhere for now.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
