Tiger Woods & Nike Announce End of Partnership
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Some breakups are sudden, while others are slow-moving and easy to see coming in advance. After years of speculation, heightened in recent months, Tiger Woods and Nike have officially announced the end of their historic partnership. Woods was the first to break the news by announcing on social media:
"Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate 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, if I started naming them, I could go on forever. Phil Knight's passion and vision brought Nike and Nike Golf together, and I want to personally thank him, along with the 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. See you in LA! Tiger."
A few minutes later, Nike issued the following statement. "Tiger, you challenged your competition, stereotypes, conventions, the old school way of thinking. You challenged the entire institution of golf. You challenged us. And most of all, yourself. And for that challenge, we’re grateful."
A message from Nike on Tiger Woods.
Nike
Woods first signed a footwear and apparel deal with Nike in 1996 and has inked multiple contract extensions. His last deal, a 10-year, $200 million contract extension, was agreed to in 2013 and expired at the end of 2023.
Together, Woods and Nike popularized the sport among new fans and introduced some incredible performance products. In 2001, Nike honored their signature athlete by opening the Tiger Woods Center, a staple of events and presentations on the Nike campus in Beaverton, Oregon.
However, the signs of a breakup have been visible for some time. Nike has taken a step back from golf in recent years. To make matters worse, Woods began wearing FootJoy golf shoes at the 2022 Masters Tournament.
When asked about his future with Nike at the 2023 PNC Tournament in December, Woods gave a half-hearted response. Woods referenced his signature apparel when he told a reporter, "I’m still wearing their product."
Now, Woods has become the biggest footwear free agent since Kobe Bryant left adidas in 2002. There will be no shortage of suitors wanting to sponsor the iconic golfer, while Nike's future in the sport and the PGA Tour remains unclear.
Fans hoping to purchase Woods' signature footwear and apparel still have time to stock up on apparel and golf shoes by visiting the Nike website. There is no doubt that these items will soon become collector's items. Stay locked into FanNationKicks.com for all your footwear news from the sports world.
