Golfer Tiger Woods and Nike announced on Monday that they’ve ended their partnership. Woods issued a statement about the move on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world,” Woods said. “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 wanted to personally thank him, along with the Nike employees and incredible athletes I have had the pleasure of working with along the way.”
Knight, one of Nike’s co-founders, led the company for over 50 years. He stepped down in 2016. Over nearly 30 years, Woods’ likely earned an estimated $500 million through the Nike brand partnership, according to The Guardian.
In an email to Retail Dive, the company said:
“For over 27 years, we have had the honor to partner with Tiger Woods, one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen. 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. 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.”
Nike did not answer Retail Dive’s question if the decision to part ways originated with the company, with Woods’ or if it was a mutual agreement. However, as of Monday afternoon, Nike still listed a number of Tiger Woods’ branded apparel items on its website. They included $32 hats with the golfer’s initials, a $130 short sleeve polo, and $160 golf shoes.
PGATour.com noted that for nearly three decades, Woods was in Nike gear for every iconic moment of his pro sports career. On X, Woods did not indicate if he had another brand partnership lined up. Instead, Woods used the opportunity to promote the upcoming Genesis Invitational golf tournament in February in Los Angeles, which he is hosting.
