PGA Tour Rumors: 3 Major Takeaways as Xander Schauffele and Adidas Reportedly Part Ways

After the news of Tiger Woods possibly ending his 27-year relationship with Nike, it seems the new year isn’t painting a pleasant picture for some of the sports apparel brands. Days after Jason Day ditched his $100 million Nike collaboration, another PGA Tour golfer, Xander Schauffеlе is reportedly leaving Adidas after his contract expires at the end of this year.

The 30-year-old debuted in 2015 and became a part of Adidas. After winning the Rookie of the Year Award and the TOUR Championship in 2017, the 7-time PGA Tour champion re-signed with the brand for a multi-year contract. The deal was reported to be $10 million and was the highest active deal of Adidas in 2022. As such his move away from the Three Stripes Club will turn heads. Schauffele has now been spotted with Japanese brand Descente, who have a long history of sports sponsorship, at the Kapalua Bay Course. But what could his switch from Adidas mean for the golf business world? Here are three key takeaways from this surprising move:

1. Brands like Greyson and Malbon are on the rise

The 7x PGA Tour winner is not the only golfer who is looking for a change of wardrobe. Jason Day recently ditched his $100 million Nike partnership and signed with Malbon Golf. It is new to the market as a trendy and hip brand that appeals to the younger generation. Malbon already has LPGA Tour golfer Yealimi Noh signed to their brand. Meanwhile, Grayson Clothers is another emerging brand that has been dominating the market for quite some time.

Greyson also reportedly signed Charlie Woods to be on its roster. The brand also has former World number one Justin Thomas, Sam Ryder, and Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald among others. With these high-profile exits, the aforementioned brands now have a golden opportunity to expand their market and leave their mark.

2. What’s the future of Nike and Adidas in the golfing universe?

Back in 2016, both Nike and Adidas decided to exit the golf equipment market, citing declining sales and profitability. They sold off their golf clubs, balls, and bag businesses and focused on their apparel and footwear section. The exit opened the door for other brands to fill the gap and expand their market share. 

Now, it seems that the same thing is happening with sponsorship as well. Nike and Adidas are losing some of their star players to new brands. Rumors are also swirling that Nike may be exiting the golf business altogether, or license out its golf brand to another company. The likes of Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, and Nelly Korda are still with Nike. If Nike does end up leaving golf, it would be a huge blow for the brand and a major shift in the golf landscape. 

Adidas’ roster includes stars such as Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, and Jon Rahm. But with the possible exit of Schauffеlе their future can also come under scrutiny.

3. Newer faces may become the faces of these brands

Tiger Woods has been with Nike since he turned pro in 1996. The 48-year-old has played a major role in the success of Swoosh as a sports brand. However, there are rumors that Woods and Nikе are parting ways, as the 15-time major champion made a cryptic response when asked about their partnership. He said, “I’m still wearing their product.” Notably, in 2022, Nike was the fourth-biggest active sponsor brand in golf with 13 active deals, and Woods was the biggest name.

Also Read: Amid Split Rumors, Reliving the Top 5 Tiger Woods-Nike Moments

Schauffele, on the other hand, was Adidas’s biggest active player; he was seen wearing the three stripes on the greens for a long time. If he does leave Adidas, it would leave a big void for the brand and a big opportunity for another brand to sign him. With Woods and Schauffele potentially leaving their longtime sponsors, it could pave the way for the newer faces of the next generation.

Stay tuned to find out all the latest golf world related updates!

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