Tiger Woods and sportswear giant Nike have ended their commercial partnership after more than 27 years.
The 15-time major champion has used the brand’s products since he turned professional in 1996. Although he signed a club deal with TaylorMade in 2017 after Nike stopped making equipment, Woods continued to wear Nike shoes and Nike apparel.
Woods announced the news on Monday in a statement posted on X. “Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate enough 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. Phil Knight’s passion and vision brought this Nike partnership together and I personally want to thank him, along with the other 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.”
A statement from Nike said: “For over 27 years, we have had the honour to partner with Tiger Woods, one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen. We watched him set records, challenge conventional thinking, and inspire generations of people around the globe. We are grateful to have been a part of it. We wish him the best in the future.”
Woods, 48, first signed a $40m five-year contract with Nike after turning professional as a 20-year-old in 1996. The deal became one of the most lucrative partnerships in sports history as Woods dominated the world of golf for more than a decade to put him second on the list of men’s major champions, three behind leader Jack Nicklaus.
Woods signed multiple deals with Nike over his career, including a 10-year contract in 2013 that was worth a reported $200m. Nike remained loyal to Woods during the up and downs of his career, including when scandal surrounding his private life emerged when he was at the peak of his golfing powers in 2009. Gillette, Accenture and AT&T all cut ties with Woods during that period, while Nike offered him its full support.
The decision to end its partnership with Woods comes as Nike looks to cut $2bn in costs in the coming years, scales down its investment in golf, and as Woods’s own career approaches its end. His last major victory came in 2019, but he has been plagued by injury for years and his game has become even more limited by a serious car crash he suffered in 2021 which required a metal plate to be inserted into his leg. Since then he has played in just six tournaments – three in 2022 and three in 2023.
Woods concluded his statement on X by saying: “People will ask if there is another chapter. Yes, there will be certainly be another chapter.”