[transplant99]

Some rather surprising news to start this year.

Tiger Woods announced Monday that his longtime partnership with Nike has ended after 27 years, closing one of the most iconic brand relationships in professional sports history.

"Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world," Woods said in a statement posted to his X account. "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," Woods wrote. "Yes, there will certainly be another chapter. See you in LA!"

After Woods turned pro following a record-breaking playing career at Stanford, he signed endorsement deals with Nike and Titleist. The multiyear contract with Nike was reportedly worth $40 million, which was the richest endorsement deal for a professional athlete in history at the time.

https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id...ar-partnership