Tiger woods with fresh deals from Nike
Tiger Woods has hinted at his next move after turning down a £500m Nike deal.
As he bids farewell to athletics giant Nike after 27 years, five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods received a dire warning from academics.
A warning has been issued that major brands may reconsider their contracts with Tiger Woods amid a “controversy” affecting his private life on the golf course. On Monday, the 15-time major winner announced the end of his 27-year relationship with Nike. At the end of last year, when the 10-year contract agreed in 2013 expired, both sides faced a difficult choice. The 48-year-old golfer and the Oregon sportswear giant have finally parted ways, with several major brands now vying for his endorsement. Bunkered said the five-time Masters champion could be interested in the likes of Greyson Clothiers and On Running for new deals. Despite interest from these companies, there have been warnings that the former world champion may be reluctant to sponsor them due to his past personal problems. In an interview with Altindex.com, Rob Wilson, professor of economics at Sheffield Business School, strongly acknowledged that companies may be reluctant to hire Woods. The researcher explained that Woods may have difficulty securing a contract similar to the one he signed with Nike a decade ago. “I imagine other brands are trying to sign with Tiger,” he explained. But the time will be much shorter. Startups like Castore have the potential to do well and be undervalued for the rest of their careers. Some brands don’t want to go near Tiger because of the controversy.” Wilson continued to make his point. “But what we see is a lot of people talking about golf and not talking about the history of golf. They found him. Tiger is still world famous and represents value to many companies.
The professor said the perceived resistance may be at odds with the company’s brand values. “But there will be brands that don’t see Tiger as part of their brand because of their values. “But this applies to all athletes with similar complaints.”
“He’s had an amazing career with a lot of good and bad things, but every athlete comes to a point where it’s not enough. Tiger is playing decent golf these days, but he hasn’t hit the heights he used to. “He’s older than that, and the older you get, the less likely you are to be successful in sports.”
The split between Woods and Nike appeared to be amicable, with the apparel company sending a message to his former partner: “Great run, Tiger. Through our partnership, we’ve seen Tiger not only redefine the sport of golf, but work with the world to break down barriers for the entire sport. “I’ve seen him set records, challenge conventional thinking and inspire generations of people around the world. We are grateful to be a part of it. “We wish him all the best for his future.”
The American sports icon was embroiled in a major international scandal in 2009 when his involvement in matters other than war was revealed. Additionally, the veteran golfer sparked controversy when he was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in 2017.
