After Announcing a Million-Dollar Partnership, LIV Golf Defector Brooks Koepka Faces a Billion Dollar Dilemma, Is It the End of an Exclusive Pairing?

LIV Golfers have been under constant scrutiny and criticism since the initiation of the 54-hole circuit. Many believe that LIV Golfers are not as competitive or capable of the 72-hole pressure of making the cut and fighting for the title. Just look at the amount of backlash that Phil Mickelson has been facing.

But Brooks Koepka is one LIV Golf star who has surpassed such stereotypes. Even after signing up with the Saudi-backed circuit, he clinched the PGA Championship title in May 2023, along with $3.2 million in winnings. No wonder Nike was all for backing the brilliance of the rising star. However, a new dark cloud has suddenly descended on the pro golfer.

Is the relationship between Koepka and Nike coming to an end?

Earlier this year, after his title win at one of the prestigious Major events, i.e., the PGA Championship, there were rumors about Nike wanting to partner up with Smash GC, the LIV Golf team captained by Koepka. However, a recent tweet from the team’s official site confirmed that the deal may have fallen through for they have struck a new bargain with Bald Head Blues.

This partnership raises several questions. For one, what happened to the deal with Nike? Was it just a rumor or did something change between Koepka winning the PGA Championship as a LIV Golfer and him losing his automatic spot in Ryder Cup? Also, what happens to Koepka’s personal sponsorship with the $34.8 billion conglomeration?

Brooks Koepka’s partnership with Nike

The beloved golfer did his research before partnering with the giants of the apparel industry. He spoke to Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy for advice, visited the factory in Texas, and tested his brand-new equipment to be sure as per GolfMonthly. His driving distance reportedly improved and he seemed to be loving the new collab.

Also Read: ‘It’s Fashion’: A Look Into Brooks Koepka’s Iconic Shoes Over the Years

Aside from the stunning equipment, Koepka’s clothing, and accessories, including his footwear that sported a bright yellow design with ‘Always Fresh’ etched on the bottom reflected his deep relationship with the brand. His rising fame and improvement in performance were a testament to the synergy between the golfer and his sponsor.

What happens now with the BHB apparel deal?

As the captain of Smash GC, Koepka is in a tough spot. He and his teammate Matt Wolff are both sponsored by Nike, but now they have also to don the designs by Bald Head Blues as part of a team.

Neither Nike nor Koepka has commented on whether or not their blissful alliance has come to an end. However, speculations are circulating that Koepka may have to drop his billion-dollar sponsors for a million-dollar deal. The other alternative would be for him to split focus and sport both brands simultaneously. After all, LIV Golf does allow apparel changes between rounds. Still, if he has to switch equipment, will it yield similar results as with his Nike driver?

In any case, Brooksie is facing a challenging decision and with his Ryder Cup contention also in question, this is not a good week for the pro golfer. He can choose to stick with the team and lose billions or stick with his sponsors if they are still partnering up, that is.

Do you think Koepka will drop Nike? How do you think he should deal with this impossible situation? Share your thoughts and ideas with us in the comments below.

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