Tiger Woods is going through another breakup.
Woods announced Monday morning that he and Nike are parting ways after a 27-year partnership that has existed throughout his storied career.
“Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world,” Woods wrote in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, that included a photo of him and Nike founder Phil Knight.
“The days since 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.”
What could that “next chapter” be?
Tiger Woods is splitting with Nike. Getty ImagesWoods has had a relationship with TaylorMade since 2017 and currently uses Bridgestone balls.
According to CNBC, there were also rumors that Woods would be going to On Running — the company tennis legend Roger Federer joined after leaving Nike in 2019.
However, CEO Marc Maurer dispelled that notion while speaking to reporters at the IRC Retail Conference in Orlando, Fla., on Monday.
Tiger Woods in Nike gear at the 2022 British Open. AFP via Getty Images“We also heard the rumors, so it’s always interesting what’s out there. We hope that Tiger finds a great new partner and it’s not going to be us,” Maurer said, per CNBC.
The “LA” reference likely hints that he will be in the field for the Genesis Invitational in February.
Woods, 48, plans to play in one tournament each month after having ankle surgery last year.
He finished 18th in the 20-player Hero World Challenge in early December in what was his first tournament since last year’s Masters.
The first hints of Woods’ unhappiness with Nike came after he first returned from a car accident that left him with severe leg injuries wearing Footjoys in 2022.
Woods last signed a 10-year, $200 million contract with Nike in 2013 and is estimated to have been paid $500 million overall by the sneaker giant.
“Tiger, you challenged your competition, stereotypes, conventions, the old school way of thinking,” Nike said in a statement via ESPN. “You challenged the entire institution of golf. You challenged us. And most of all, yourself. And for that challenge we’re grateful.”





