Tiger Woods announces his split from Nike on social media with an emotional post: “There will undoubtedly be more chapters.”
After a 27-year relationship with the sports giant, Tiger Woods has confirmed his split from Nike on social media with an emotional post.
Woods, 48, is thought to have earned roughly $500 million while working for Nike.
Just before Christmas, the 15-time major champion teed off at the PNC Championship with his young cub Charlie Woods, in what would be his final competition wearing Nike golf gear.
Since 1996, he has been sponsored by Nike, and in that time, he has developed into one of the greatest golfers of all time.
Alongside the late great Sam Snead, the former World No. 1 has not only amassed a record-tying 82 PGA Tour victories, but he has also won 15 major championships, three fewer than record holder Jack Nicklaus.
Woods holds the record for most cumulative weeks as the World No.1 at 683. Next best on the list is LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman on 331.
After weeks of speculation, Woods, 48, confirmed the news on social media:
“I had the good fortune to begin a partnership with one of the most recognizable brands in the world more than 27 years ago. The days that have passed since have been jam-packed with so many incredible experiences and moments that I could never name them all.”I would like to express my gratitude to Phil Knight, the Nike staff, and the amazing athletes I have had the pleasure of working with for their passion and vision in bringing this partnership between Nike and Nike Golf.Asking if there is a second chapter will come up. Yes, there will undoubtedly be more than one chapter.
“I’ll see you in Los Angeles! Tiger.
Here’s a look at Woods’ post:
Nike shared the image below on Instagram after Woods confirmed the news: “Tiger, you challenged your competition, stereotypes, conventions, and the old school way of thinking.” You issued a challenge to the entire game of golf. You put us to the test. Above all, you yourself. And we are appreciative of that challenge.”
Where could Tiger Woods end up after leaving Nike?
Although Woods’ last statement has sparked a lot of conjecture, Sports Business Radio reports that there’s a strong possibility Woods will follow in the footsteps of tennis great Roger Federer by leaving Nike and investing in On Running.
Of course, this is all conjecture, but the brand would lead the market for Woods’ upcoming venture.
Their share price is certainly only heading one way on the NYSE at least.
Federer and Woods are said to get along well, and Woods once cited Federer as one of his inspirations.
Together, they have appeared in a number of endorsements over the years.
On is a Swiss-based athletic shoe and performance sportswear brand that creates and sells running shoes and sports apparel.
Federer has his own line of sneakers at On called “The Roger Collection,” which he and his team created with a tennis theme.
At his yearly Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas last month, Woods, who has been sporting FootJoy golf shoes since 2022 instead of his typical Nike golf shoes, made a comeback to the PGA Tour.
Despite playing in FJ shoes, Woods has continued to wear a Nike cap, shirt and trousers during competition.
He had been out of action since undergoing ankle surgery following his WD at The Masters in April 2023.
Woods suffered multiple open fracturers in the tibia and fibula of his right leg, as well as significant multiple injuries to his right foot and ankle when he crashed a rental car in Los Angeles in February 2021.
No Laying Up first brought the Woods-Nike split to everyone’s attention in the first week of December 2023
“Hearing some stuff that the PNC was allegedly his last tournament with Nike,” revealed the popular golf podcast.
“So we’ll see what happens there for similar things and some other Nike athletes as well.
“Potential apparel brand being started by one of the OEMs.”
Former World No.1 and 2015 US PGA champion Jason Day also left Nike last week and he immediately joined up with Malbon Golf.
Rory McIlroy agreed a 10-year contract extension with Nike in 2017, so nothing is likely to happen on that front anytime soon.
