After an incredible 27-year partnership with Nike, Tiger Woods has announced that he will no longer be sponsored by the company. In a heartfelt statement on X, formerly Twitter, Woods expressed his gratitude for the iconic brand and the countless memorable moments that their collaboration has brought.
Woods specifically acknowledged Phil Knight, the founder of Nike, for his passion and vision in forging the Nike Golf partnership. He also extended his thanks to the dedicated employees at Nike and all the amazing athletes he had the pleasure of working with over the years. While bidding farewell to Nike, Woods hinted at an exciting new chapter to come, promising to see his fans in LA.
Nike confirmed Woods’ departure through an Instagram post, expressing their profound appreciation for the golfer’s immense contributions to the sport. They commended his ability to challenge conventions, break stereotypes, and defy expectations. Alongside their heartfelt message, Nike shared a photo of Woods with the caption, “It was a hell of a round, Tiger.”
Tiger Woods first signed with Nike in 1996 and enjoyed a long-standing partnership that included multiple deals throughout his illustrious career in golf. While the exact value of these deals remains undisclosed, reports suggest that Woods’ association with Nike had a total worth ranging between $500 and $660 million.
Notably, Woods had been exclusively sporting Nike apparel during tournaments since 2016. Following their decision to discontinue manufacturing golf equipment, Nike continued to focus solely on golf clothing.
Beyond his successful partnership with Nike, Tiger Woods stands among an elite group of athletes with a net worth exceeding $1 billion, according to Forbes. This exclusive club features remarkable individuals like Michael Jordan, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, LeBron James, Roger Federer, and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
In terms of market performance, Nike Inc. experienced a marginal fluctuation of 0.15% during Monday afternoon’s trading session. However, the company’s shares have witnessed an 18.11% decline over the past 12 months.
Remembering LeBron James’ Historic Nike Deal
In a similar vein, let’s not forget the pivotal moment in 2003 when LeBron James made the transformative decision to join forces with Nike. The legendary basketball player turned down a staggering $28 million offer, which ultimately paved the way for him to potentially earn an astonishing $1 billion. Truly, an extraordinary testament to the enduring value of partnership and foresight.
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