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NEW YORK — Tiger Woods and Nike have ended their 27-year partnership.
The golf legend signed with the sports brand in 1996, the year he turned professional. Woods earned more than $120 million in prize money on the PGA Tour since turning professional.
“Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world,” Woods said in a statement posted to his X account. “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.”
Woods, 48, didn’t say what apparel brands he planned to wear in future events – but he did indicate that he planned to play in the Genesis at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades from Feb. 15-18.
“People will ask if there is another chapter,” Woods wrote. “Yes, there will certainly be another chapter. See you in LA!”
Nike said in a statement: “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.”
In December, Nike announced it planned to cut $2 billion in costs over the next three years – so fans are speculating Woods is just another casualty.
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