All good things come to an end. Hall of Fame golfer Tiger Woods ended the longest business relationship of his career when he parted ways with footwear giant Nike. In a social media post on Jan. 8, the championship golfer announced that his partnership has ended after 27 years.
“Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world,” Woods stated in
the post. “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 this Nike and Nike Golf partnership 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!”Woods did not indicate what’s next regarding brand sponsorship, but based on his post, there will be “another chapter.”
The gratitude appears to be mutual, as Nike also released a statement thanking Woods for the “challenge” brought about by their collaboration.
“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.”
Sports Illustrated reported that Woods inked his first deal with Nike in 1996. It was for clothing, with golf items added to later contracts he signed. He signed new deals with Nike in 2001, 2006, and 2013. The last was a 10-year deal that ended up being the final one.
According to ESPN, Woods will be playing
in the Genesis at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, next month, on Feb. 15-18.RELATED CONTENT: Tiger Woods’ 16-Year-Old Daughter, Sam, Debuts As Caddie At 2023 PNC Championship