Tiger Woods and Nike have ended their 27-year partnership, one that helped make the sport famous for a younger and hipper demographic.
“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 post on Twitter. “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 and Nike produced a long series of shoes, hats, shirts and equipment over decades. It's unclear which company will produce that merchandise going forward.
Nike also famously stayed with Woods during his marital problems in the 2010s. Gatorade, AT&T and Gillette dropped the greatest golfer of all time amid those troubles.
“Tiger, you challenged your competition, stereotypes, conventions, the old school way of thinking," Nike said in a statement online. "You challenged the entire institution of golf. You challenged us. And most of all, yourself. And for that challenge we’re grateful. It was a hell of a round, Tiger.”
The end of their relationship marks the end of a 10-year, roughly $200 million deal the golfer signed in 2013. There had been indications that Woods would leave the partnership late last year, when he responded, "I'm still wearing their product" amid rumors of a break-up.
