Pictured above – Tiger Woods, his mother Kutilda and Phil Knight, owner of Nike.
Announcement came on social media
Tiger Woods (Woods), who many consider the greatest professional golfer of all time, announced Monday he will be splitting with long-time partner Nike after 27 years.
The announcement came on social media where Woods expressed his appreciation for the brand and Nike head Phil Knight. According to further reports, Taylor Made has made the five time Masters Champion an offer for a deal worth $450 million.
Via Tiger Woods social media.
Woods signed with Nike in 1996 after turning professional, and he has since earned hundreds of millions of dollars through the partnership. His most recent agreement with the iconic brand was in 2013 for approximately $200 million.
Woods has won 82 times on the PGA Tour since turning pro and sits behind only Jack Nicklaus in major victories with 15. Nicklaus won 18 majors in his career. Nike had a small stake in the golf biz before signing Woods.
After he signed, Nike went all in with apparel and equipment. Soon, Woods’ iconic red Nike Polo and black pants became the most famous outfit in the world, and Nike equipment began flying off the shelves worldwide.
Nike never became the top brand in golf, but it became a contender mainly due to its partnership with Woods. Late last year, Woods, who has recently played a light schedule due to injuries, announced he would play at least one tournament a month in 2024. There is no word on where the TW brand will land, but an announcement on the legend’s next equipment and apparel partnership is expected before Woods tees it up again.
Woods, 48, is scheduled to compete in next month’s Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles.
Photos via Facebook.
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