Tiger Woods issued frank warning over next move after quitting £500m Nike deal
Tiger Woods has been warned that major brands could think twice about offering him a deal due to the 'controversy' that has impacted his personal life away from the golf course.
The 15-time major winner announced his split from long-term sponsors Nike this week, bringing to an end a 27-year partnership. His final deal, a decade-long agreement signed back in 2013, came to a close at the end of last year - leaving both parties with an uncomfortable decision to make.
Eventually, the 48-year-old golf legend and the Oregon-based sportswear giants have parted ways, with several major brands now vying to secure his endorsement. According to Bunkered, the five-time Masters champion could be courted by firms including Greyson Clothiers and On Running for his next deals.
Despite the purported interest from those brands, the former world No. 1 has been served with a warning that his previous personal scandals could deter companies from committing to him. Speaking to Altindex.com, Rob Wilson, a professor of economics at the Sheffield Business School, made the stark admission that firms may view Woods with reluctance.
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The American sporting icon was embroiled in a major international scandal back in 2009 when it emerged that he had engaged in extra-martial affairs. Moreover, the veteran golfer also was the subject of controversy when he was arrested for driving under the influence in 2017.
Now, the academic has explained that Woods may struggle to attract a deal akin to the one he signed with Nike a decade ago. He explained: "I’d imagine that another brand will try to sign Tiger. However, it’ll be on significantly reduced terms. We’re probably looking at an emerging brand, like Castore, piggybacking on the rest of his career and potentially lower value.
"There will be brands who won’t go near Tiger due to his controversy," Wilson continued as he explained his reasoning. "However, we’ll find that most people will discuss his golf instead of his history. Tiger is still world-famous, and he does demonstrate value to plenty of companies.
Tiger Woods has worn the famous Nike swoosh throughout his professional golf career (AP)
The professor added that supposed reluctance may come down to a clash in terms of company brand values, saying: "There will, however, be brands who won’t consider Tiger a part of their brands due to their values. That goes for any athlete with similar charges, though."
"He had an extraordinary career with plenty of highs and lows, but every athlete gets to a point where they’re beyond saturation. Tiger is playing decent golf nowadays, but he isn’t hitting the heights he once did. He’s aged beyond that point and the ongoing opportunity for his sporting success is starting to diminish with age."
Woods' split with Nike appeared to be amicable, with the apparel firm wishing their former partner a fond farewell: "It was a hell of a round, Tiger. Throughout the course of our partnership, we have witnessed along with the rest of the world, how Tiger not only redefined the sport of golf, but broke barriers for all of sport.
"We watched him set records, challenge conventional thinking and inspire generations of people around the globe. We are grateful to have been a part of it. We wish him the best in the future."
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