It was a little over a month ago that Tiger Woods made his official comeback through the Hero World Challenge. And after that, the news of his split with Nike is all but official. Neither party has confirmed or denied the rumors, but Woods did give a cryptic answer when asked about his future with the brand.
However, if these speculations come true, many brands that are Nike’s competitors will be open to welcoming him. Here are the three substitutes that Woods might incline toward as his next sponsor.
First is Greyson. A few days ago, Woods’ son Charlie Woods not only made headlines for his participation in the PNC Championship but he was also rumored to sign his first official deal with apparel brand Greyson. The rumors spread like flames, especially after he was seen wearing their brand during a recent event.
The widespread speculations don’t mean that Woods can’t bend toward them. Jr. Woods is wearing their clothes, which means that he has a liking for them. And even if the deal between them has not materialized at the moment, that doesn’t mean it can’t happen in the future. And if Jr. Woods shows a preference for them, then Sr. Woods could do as well.
Next is Adidas. Already a clothing giant, this brand needs no introduction. Very recently, they parted ways with Xander Schauffеlе. This means that they are on the lookout for a suitable substitute. And who else is better than the GOAT to sponsor? Moreover, the legendary golfer has a similar agency, Excel Sports, to that of Rose Zhang. You may wonder how is having the same agency relevant, well, it is because of the deal that the LPGA pro signed in 2023 after her NIL deal.
Zhang ditched her NIL deal with Adidas in May and signed up with the brand as a pro. “As I begin this next phase in my career, I can’t wait to represent the 3-Stripes as a professional,” said Zhang. With one of their female superstar golfer already linked with a giant brand, the agency might try to nudge Woods in the same direction. Especially now that they have links to Adidas through Zhang.
Apart from Adidas and Greyson Clothier, the golfer’s apparent favorite brand of the course shoes could also be his next sponsor.
The third and final is FootJoy. One of the reasons that added flames to the fire of Woods’s departure from Nike was seeing him wearing FootJoy shoes on his recent outings. After his surgery, he is looking for comfort in clothing and footwear. And with this preference, the golfer seems to find it in FootJoy. He already trusts them, and chances are that he might sign a deal with them or do a collaboration where he opens his clothing lines with them.
As the bond of 27 years between Woods and Nike is rumored to be coming to an end, it is obvious that he will be looking for a new brand to sponsor him. While many brands wish to become his next sponsors, these names present a vast variety of options for Woods.
