Despite the Fractured $200M+ Deal, Tiger Woods Emerges With the Last Laugh Against Nike Through Latest Revelation

What will happen to Nike’s Tiger Woods shoe line if they decide to split with the former World No.1? Can Woods take it to another brand if he wants to? These obvious questions popped up in the wake of Nike’s reportedly broken deal with the former World No.1. 

Moreover, there are rumors that the megabrand is going to repeat what it did seven years ago – shut down a part of its golf business. But the situation is not that dire, yet. Insiders suspect a wind of change is coming in the golf apparel business and Nike is weathering the storm before taking a major decision next year. Amidst all these uncertainties what is the future of TW shoes?

Nike and Tiger Woods split – end of an era?

TWLegion, a Tiger Woods fan community on X (formerly Twitter), reported that Nike is mulling over outsourcing their golf apparel business through two Original Equipment Manufacturers. The megabrand’s surprising decision has put up many questions. The foremost is what happens to the signature shoe lines. 

It is not immediately clear if this will put an end to the golf shoe line. As per TWLegion, it’s been run independently and might not be impacted. This prompted one user to ask if Woods could take his signature shoe line to another brand. Most importantly, can he use the ‘TW’ logo that appears on the sneakers?

There is no clear answer to the first question. There might be some legal jousting if Tiger Woods wants to move his signature shoe line to a different brand, considering Nike’s designers were actively involved in the project. Regardless, there is no bar to using the ‘TW’ logo. As per the company filings, ETW Corp. owns the copyright. 

These questions are rising because the 82-time PGA Tour winner ditched Nike in favor of FootJoy shoes once again. After the 2023 Masters appearance, the veteran golfer sported FootJoy kicks at the recently concluded Hero World Challenge. This begs the question is it over between the two giants?

What’s next in line for Woods?

Both parties have been reticent about the future of their partnership. Nike first signed Woods, in 1996, for a reported $40M deal. The last extension came in 2013 which allegedly made Woods $200M richer in ten years. There has been no confirmed news of another extension. Contrarily, reports have emerged that Nike is going through a shake-up for its golf apparel business.

Reportedly, the $175M megabrand, is going to run its business through Srixon or Cleveland, both OEMs. It should be noted that Tiger Woods has an endorsement deal with TaylorMade Golf, that he was compelled to sign, courtesy of Nike shutting down their golf equipment business in 2016. 

Read More: While Tiger Woods Reportedly Ditches $175B Partner of Decades, Son Charlie Woods Keeps Following in the 47-Year-Old’s Footsteps