For the best part of 30 years, the name Tiger Woods has been synonymous with the brand Nike. But in a bombshell announcement on social media, the 15-time major winner has confirmed that the 27-year partnership – one of the most iconic in world sport – has come to an end.
Woods has worn Nike apparel since he first signed with the American clothing giant in 1996, the same year the golf legend joined the PGA Tour. That same year saw him claim three victories on the PGA Tour, followed by his breakthrough major triumph at the 1997 Masters, launching the American into superstardom and his partnership with Nike into another stratosphere in terms of sports marketing and brand exposure.
Tiger Woods calls time on partnership with Nike
Woods’ most recent contract with Nike was negotiated in 2013 and was reportedly worth $US200 million ($A298m) over 10 years. His last event wearing Nike gear was the PNC Championship in December, with the 48-year-old confirming that his long and incredibly lucrative partnership with the iconic sports brand has finally come to an end.
“Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world,” Woods posted on social media alongside a photo of him and his mother with Nike founder Phil Knight. “The days since have been filled with so many amazing moments and memories, if I started naming them, I could go on forever.
The sight of Tiger winning trophies in his ‘Sunday red’ shirt with the trademark Nike ‘swoosh’ became commonplace for years to come and his association with the brand was on a level similar to that of NBA legend Michael Jordan’s. In the 27 years since Woods first signed with the brand, Forbes estimates he’s netted close to $US500 million ($A744m) from the apparel giant, while generating billions more in sales.
