Tiger Woods could be nearing deal with Nike rival just hours after split
Golf legend Tiger Woods is closing in on a new clothing deal with TaylorMade just a day after his iconic partnership with Nike came to an end.
Across his 15 major wins and 82 PGA Tour titles, Woods' red shirt Sunday look complete with the Nike swoosh defined an era. He was the face of the brand for so long, featuring as the star in many adverts throughout the fruitful relationship which came to an end on Monday.
Woods is scheduled to appear on Wednesday's episode of the ‘Fore Play’ podcast. The show posted a teaser on social media - and TaylorMade added an interesting clue ahead of the launch, retweeting the clip with a wide-eyed emoji along with the caption: “Stay tuned.”
The post by TaylorMade suggests Woods could be a marquee signing for the range. The 15-time major champion already uses TaylorMade clubs when he competes, so exploring and developing the relationship makes sense.
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However, TaylorMade’s apparel range is fairly limited with around 33 items currently listed on its website, the majority of which are off-course leisure wear for athletes. Regardless, Woods’ next move is incredibly intriguing after 27 years with Nike, especially with the American hoping to play more golf in 2024.
Currently, the TaylorMade range is not extensive enough to dress PGA Tour player. Those who have signed with TaylorMade for equipment have donned Nike or Adidas clothing to mae up for it, although the company could be preparing to expand its clothing range.
Last month, TaylorMade began advertising job positions for its 'new apparel division’. With a boosted apparel line, TaylorMade could then begin to attract players as marquee signings - including Woods.
Throughout his time with Nike, Woods is estimated to have earned around $500 million from the deal, acting as the face of the brand since he turned professional aged 20 in 1996. His first contract, a five-year deal worth $40 million, evolved into one of the most successful commercial arrangements in sports history.
Tiger Woods remains the most recognisable player and biggest name in golf - and his next clothing deal will undoubtedly be lucrative (Getty Images)There has been no suggestion that the split was acrimonious and both parties announced the news with respectful statements. Woods took to social media to post: “Over 27 years go, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world.
“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.”
Nike posted their own statement on Instagram, writing: “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.”
Woods is reportedly planning on next competing at the upcoming Genesis Invitational at the Riviera Country Club in February.
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