Tiger Woods and Nike bring one of the most famous partnerships in the world of sports to an end.
Worth $500m and spanning 27 years, Woods has announced on social media platform ‘X’ (previously Twitter) that his partnership with the sports clothing brand has come to an end.
Woods posted: “Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate enough 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. Phil Knight’s passion and vision brought this Nike and Nike Golf partnership together and I personally want to thank him, along with the other 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.”
Nike also posted on the social media platform, commenting: “It was a hell of a round, Tiger.”
The golf icon recently teamed up with Rory Mcllroy to create TGL Golf, a new tournament that has partnered with the PGA Tour, a feat that would not have been possible without the support of Nike during his career.
A partnership that started when Woods was 20 years-old in 1996 saw the golfer rise to fame and become one of the most iconic athletes in the world.
Winning the Masters in 1997 to become the youngest ever golfer to do so, Woods was the catalyst for Nike establishing itself in the golf industry. It started to produce golf equipment, transcending its reputation from just basketball and athletics.
During his 15 major claiming career, the American golfer has benefitted from the partnership through starring in TV adverts and creating iconic outfits, leading to his celebrity status today.
The decision comes as Nike looks to cut $2b in costs over the next few years, having stopped making golf equipment in 2016.
Woods wore FootJoy shoes at the 2022 Masters after a serious car crash in 2021. At the time Woods said: “I needed something different, something that allowed me to be more stable.” Nike replied stating it would “work with him to meet his new needs”.
The sports brand released a statement confirming the decision, stating: “We watched him set records, challenge conventional thinking and inspire generations of people around the globe. We are grateful to have been a part of it. We wish him the best in the future.”
