Nike and Tiger Woods call it quits on their 27-year-long collaboration.
Swapping Tees: Tiger Woods, the legendary golfer, bids adieu to his 27-year partnership with Nike, a union that has seen its fair share of extraordinary moments. In a heartfelt declaration, Woods shared his thoughts on this significant separation, reminiscing about the unforgettable memories he's created alongside the brand.
The partnership, forged nearly three decades ago, has given rise to countless remarkable instances. Phil Knight, one of the founding fathers of Nike, played a pivotal role in this collaboration. Woods expressed his gratitude towards Knight, along with the dedicated employees and fellow athletes who contributed to this journey.
Knight served as the face of Nike for more than half a century before stepping down in 2016. During his tenure, Woods raked in an estimated $500 million, thanks to the lucrative Nike partnership, according to The Guardian.
In a correspondence with Retail Dive, Nike expressed their gratitude for working with Woods, acknowledging his groundbreaking impact on the sport and the world. However, the company declined to disclose how the decision to part ways was made, whether it was a mutual agreement, or if it originated from Woo's or the company's side. As of Monday afternoon, Nike's website still boasted a collection of Tiger Woods branded apparel, such as hats with his initials, polos, and golf shoes.
PGATour.com pointed out that for nearly three decades, Woods has been synonymous with Nike gear during his iconic moments in professional sports. On social media, Woods didn't reveal any new partnerships he might have lined up. Instead, he took the opportunity to promote the upcoming Genesis Invitational golf tournament in February in Los Angeles, which he's hosting.
Recent reports suggest that Woods maintains endorsements with TaylorMade, Bridgestone Golf, Monster Energy, and Rolex, but it's unclear if he has any new partnerships. The split with Nike seems unrelated to performance, as Woods continues to collaborate with other brands while focusing on ventures like TGR Ventures and equipment collaborations, such as the TGR Blade irons. Some GolfWRX members speculate that these could involve designs from Nike, but this remains unconfirmed.
- The partnership between Tiger Woods and Nike, which nearly redefined sports gear, was forged almost three decades ago.
- Phil Knight, a founding father of Nike, played a pivotal role in this long-standing partnership with Tiger Woods.
- Woods' lucrative partnership with Nike earned him an estimated $500 million, as stated by The Guardian.
- Despite the split, Nike's website still features a collection of Tiger Woods-branded apparel, including hats, polos, and golf shoes.
