Tiger Woods ‘could SPLIT from Nike’ after a 27-year partnership worth up to $500MILLION with the golf legend’s final tournament wearing the iconic Swoosh potentially coming next week
Tiger Woods and Nike's long, successful partnership could be coming to an end, according to a report.
The sportswear giant was with the 15-time major winner at every milestone of his career, from five wins at Augusta to his emotional rise to 18th at St Andrews last year.
But the brand, which has sponsored the 47-year-old since 1996 when he was just 20, could part ways with him as soon as this month, according to the No Laying Up podcast.
The PNC Championship, where Woods will compete for the fourth time next week with son Charlie, 14, could reportedly be the golf great's final tournament, featuring the infamous 'swoosh'.
Woods has reportedly made $500 million in 27 years wearing Nike, which has spawned his iconic Sunday red looks and given fans legendary commercials.
The long, successful partnership between Tiger Woods and Nike may be coming to an end
The golfing great has worn the iconic Swoosh since 1996. Pictured is the 1997 Masters winner
However, there have been rumors that the golfer and the company could part ways since Woods' miraculous comeback last year after his horror car crash in 2021.
Woods raised eyebrows when he arrived at Augusta National in April 2022 to make his return to the course since the single-vehicle car accident that nearly cost him his leg, wearing a pair of FootJoy golf shoes, instead of his usual Nike.
Explaining his choice of shoes to the media, he said: 'I now have very limited mobility. Just with the rods, plates and screws in my leg, I needed something different, something that could help me be more stable. That's where I went.'
Nike supported Woods' decision with a press release stating, “Like golf fans around the world, we are excited to see Tiger back on the course.
“He is an incredible athlete and it is phenomenal to see him return to the sport at this level. His story still transcends sport and inspires us all. As he returns, we will work with him to meet his new needs.”
Woods also wore FootJoys again this year at the Masters and last week at the Hero World Challenge, but it appears the divide is now expanding beyond just shoes.
The sportswear giant has provided the 15-time major winner with his iconic Sunday red looks
Woods raised eyebrows when he performed at Augusta National in FootJoys in April 2022
But despite speculations, the move doesn't seem to have any bitter feelings but is rather a business decision.
According to No Laying Up, Nike is considering a move to close its golf division. Nike stopped making golf equipment in 2016 and has only sold clothing since then.
Other brand ambassadors, including Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Brook Koepka, could also reportedly leave Nike for good.
The closure of Nike's golf division would mark the end of a 40-year period of making clothing and equipment for the sport.
After Nike stopped manufacturing equipment, Woods turned to TaylorMade, which does have an apparel division, albeit a limited one.
Other brand ambassadors, including Rory McIlroy (right), could also reportedly leave Nike
Woods' first contract with Nike in 1996 was reportedly worth $40 million over five years, followed by an estimated $100 million contract signed in 2001 over another five years. ESPN.
He signed another eight-year contract in 2006 for an estimated $20-40 million per year, which was extended in 2013 for an undisclosed amount, according to Forbes. His current deal is believed to be worth $200 million.
Woods won't be the first leading athlete to part ways with Nike after a profitable partnership.
Soccer star Lionel Messi left Nike for Adidas in 2005, Kobe Bryant made the reverse move from Adidas to his own relationship with Nike, and Simone Biles left the sportswear giant for Athleta.