Early this year, golf great Tiger Woods ended his more than two-decade partnership with Nike. The legend first went into partnership with Nike in 1996 and renewed it repeatedly in one of the most lucrative endorsement deals in sports history, according to CBS News. The platform also reported that his last deal was a 10-year pact in 2013 worth a reported $200 million.
“Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world. The days have since been filled with so many amazing moments and memories, if I started naming them, I could go on forever,” the 15-times major champion said.
In response, Nike showed a picture of Woods flashing his trademark fist pump and final-round red top, with the caption: “It was a hell of a round, Tiger.”
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“Throughout the course of our partnership, we have witnessed along with the rest of the world, how Tiger not only redefined the sport of golf, but broke barriers for all of sport,” Nike said in a statement.
“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.”
Forbes said Woods’ partnership with Nike helped him become a billionaire as he netted $500 million through his deal with the sportswear giant.
However, the golf legend has opened a new chapter in his life. CNBC reported that Woods has signed a deal with TaylorMade and the details of the deal include the development of a new apparel and footwear performance and lifestyle brand named Sun Day Red. Woods said the name is inspired by the fact that he has always worn red on Sundays.
“Life changes and this is an important transition and I wanted to have a brand that I was proud of going forward,” Woods explained. According to the outlet, Sun Day Red will operate as a separate business with no influence from TaylorMade.
This is not the first time Woods and TaylorMade have inked a deal. In 2017, Woods and the company signed an equipment deal.
