Tiger Woods, Nike partnership could be coming to an end after nearly 30 years: Report
Tiger Woods may not be wearing the Swoosh in 2024 as the star golfer’s endorsement partnership with Nike, which has spanned nearly three decades, could be coming to an end.
The first report of a possible parting of ways came on the “No Laying Up” podcast. According to the podcast, Nike may be considering severing partnerships with several golfers (Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are also Nike endorsers) as the Beaverton-based apparel and shoe behemoth mulls shuttering its golf division.
“I’m hearing some rumors that the PNC is his last tournament with Nike,” co-host Tron Carter said. “We’ll see what happens there. I heard similar things with other Nike athletes as well.”
Woods, who played in the PNC Championship with son Charlie and daughter Samantha as his caddy during the weekend, was vague when asked about the potential end of his partnership with Nike.
“I’m still wearing their product,” Woods replied.
Another reporter asked basically the same question: “Is this the end of it coming up?”
“I’m still wearing their product,” Woods repeated.
Woods raised eyebrows when he wore FootJoy shoes at the Masters tournament in 2022, a little more than a year after his horrific car accident in Feb. 2021 that mangled and nearly cost him his right leg. The shoes sent the golf world into a frenzy, but Nike issued a statement supporting Woods.
Like golf fans around the world, we are delighted to see Tiger back on the course,” Nike said in a statement. “He is an incredible athlete, and it is phenomenal to see him returning to the game at this level. His story continues to transcend sport and inspire us all. As he continues his return, we will work with him to meet his new needs.”
Woods switched to TaylorMade golf clubs when Nike shut down its golf equipment division in 2016. There are rumors that TaylorMade is planning to expand its apparel footprint in 2024 and perhaps Woods could join the company.
If Woods and Nike part ways it will end one of the most lucrative endorsement deals in sports history.
Woods, following his third consecutive U.S. Amateur championship, signed his first deal with Nike in 1996, a contract reportedly worth $40 million over five years. He re-upped with Nike in 2001, signing a five-year, $100 million contract. Woods’ next deal was reportedly an eight-year deal that paid him up to $40 million annually. Woods’ most recent deal, which was signed in 2013, has grown to a reported 10 years at around $200 million.
With his Nike contract set to expire at the end of the year, Woods was typically tight-lipped about his future with Nike. We’ll see if Woods will be wearing the Swoosh in 2024.
