Nike recently made the somewhat surprising announcement that it will no longer be manufacturing golf clubs and equipment, but that does not mean the apparel juggernaut is bowing out when it comes to shoes and clothing.
ESPN’s Darren Rovell reported on Tuesday that Nike has signed world No. 1 golfer Jason Day to an endorsement deal. Day will reportedly be paid more than $10 million per year to wear Nike apparel on the course.
Like many other players who play Taylormade clubs, Day had previously worn all Adidas apparel. However, Adidas recently decided to sell parts of its golf division — including Taylormade — and will no longer be directly linked to the club manufacturer.
By being aggressive with apparel partnerships, Nike could end up making more money in the golf industry now than it did when it was making clubs. Nike clubs were not wildly popular on the PGA Tour, and players can now sign deals strictly with Nike apparel and still choose whichever equipment they want to play.
For now, Adidas will have to hope its newest client’s baseball career pans out. Losing Day can’t be good for business.
