Nike has had its fair share of prominent athletes as a partner. From NBA legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, to tennis phenoms such as Serena Williams, the sporting company has managed to secure the biggest figures in the sporting world.
When it comes to golf, there is no name bigger than Tiger Woods, and Nike has been by his side for years. Woods and Nike first partnered up in 1996 when the golf pro was just 20 years old, and since then, Woods has always been seen sporting the infamous swoosh logo.
However, the historic relationship may be coming to a close soon.
As Woods gets set to compete at the 2023 PNC Championship with his son, Charlie, there have been reports popping up about a potential split between the five-time Masters champion and the sporting company.
Woods has worn Nike equipment for 27 years now, and it's hard to fathom that he ends his career sporting different apparel. However, there is a real chance that the PNC Championship will be the last time fans see Woods with the Nike logo.
MORE: How to watch Tiger and Charlie Woods at the PNC Championship
The Sporting News explains Woods' potential split with Nike
Is Tiger Woods leaving Nike?
According to No Laying Up, a split between Woods and Nike could be coming soon. However, Woods wouldn't be the only golfer leaving the company.
Nike is reportedly considering a move to shut down its entire golf division. The sporting company stopped making golf equipment in 2016, and has only sold apparel since then. Woods has been using clubs by TaylorMade, which does have an apparel section within the company; however, it is quite limited.
In addition to Woods, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka would be other golfers with previous ties to Nike who would be leaving the company.
Asked at the PNC Championship about rumors of a split, Woods would tell reporters only: "I’m still wearing their product."
Tiger Woods-Nike contract
Woods has made hundreds of millions of dollars with his agreement with Nike.
The first deal with the company that the golfer signed was a five-year, $40 million contract, which came in 1996, according to Golf Digest's John Strege. The first deal was a five-year agreement worth $40 million, which looks small compared to some of the others signed by the golfer.
Woods’ second contract came in 2001 when he signed a five-year extension that was worth roughly $100 million, according to Doug Ferguson of ABC News. His third deal, inked in 2006, was for seven years. While the exact amount is not known, it did come with an increase in pay.
In 2013, Woods signed a contract extension with Nike. The total amount has not been made official, however Business Insider cited the total to be $200 million. When the deal was completed, Woods' agent Mark Steinberg said he was
After the deal was done, Woods' agent Mark Steinberg said he was "confident (Tiger) will be with Nike for the rest of his career."
"We’re comfortable with where we ended up and the career trajectory that Tiger will be on with Nike," Steinberg said. “I’m thrilled we were able to complete this deal."
Of course, that was before Nike shut down its golfing equipment division. Woods' playing days are numbered as is, but there is a real chance he ends his career without sporting the Nike swoosh.