Tiger Woods and Nike, a duo that has been together for 27 years, is splitting up. In a social media post announcing the end of the partnership, Woods thanked Nike co-founder Phil Knight, citing his passion for the brand and for golf.
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“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.”
Tiger originally signed with Nike at age 20 in 1996 for $40 million. At the time, it was considered one of the biggest deals in sports, but Tiger’s father, Earl Woods, later called the deal “chump change.” Tiger won 15 major championships with the Swoosh on his chest, and his name became synonymous with Nike.
Tiger renewed his first deal with Nike in 2001 believed to be worth more than $100 million, in 2006 Tiger again renewed signing an eight-year contract that was worth a reported $160 million. Then in 2013, Tiger signed his latest and last deal with Nike, making an estimated $200 million.
In his social post, Woods noted that there will “certainly be another chapter.”
Nike posted a farewell to Tiger on Instagram.
“Tiger, you challenged your competition, stereotypes, conventions, the old school way of thinking,” Nike said. “You challenged the entire institution of golf. You challenged us. And most of all, yourself. And for that challenge we’re grateful.”