After almost three decades, Tiger Woods has officially parted ways with Nike, ending one of the longest-standing partnerships in sports history.
The golf legend has been associated with Nike for 27 years, creating an iconic collaboration that included the billion-dollar Air Jordan deal with NBA superstar Michael Jordan. Despite facing professional setbacks, both Tiger and Nike maintained their partnership. The recent termination of their golf equipment deal comes after Tiger's controversies and Nike's shift in the golf equipment market.
In an announcement shared on social media, Tiger expressed gratitude for the 27-year partnership with Nike, a relationship that began in 1996 with an initial contract reportedly valued at $40 million. The deal was later renewed in 2001 for a groundbreaking $100 million, making it one of the most lucrative sports collaborations in history. The reported lifetime value of the partnership is over $600 million.
Rumors have circulated about Meghan Markle suggesting that she urged Prince Harry to apply to become a Nike Ambassador after Tiger's contract ended. However, Nike, led by CEO John Dono, has not responded to inquiries from Meghan's agency, potentially indicating a reluctance to associate with the couple. The sources claim that Harry, being an amateur polo player, may not possess the star power or talent sought for such a position in the sports world.
Amidst their endeavors, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry face challenges in maintaining their star status and achieving their ambitious goals for 2024. The couple, feeling behind in their journey, fears the possibility of losing their royal titles, which would be detrimental to their brand. While they anticipated big projects, nothing significant has materialized, and the couple is concerned about the absence of ventures comparable to their $100 million Netflix deal.
Megan, particularly frustrated by the lack of progress in the previous year, sees 2024 as a make-or-break period. She has reportedly urged Harry to step up and take a more active role in networking and deal-making. The pressure is on for the couple, with Megan emphasizing that things need to improve in 2024, or they may face uncertain prospects.
The challenges of fallen deals and the financial burden of Megan's upcoming lifestyle blog add to the complexity of their situation. The narrative suggests that Megan Markle is orchestrating a push for Prince Harry to achieve more and elevate their status in the coming year.