Sportswear giant Nike has shown remarkable resilience in the face of golfer Tiger Woods’ absence from the course due to injury. While Woods has been sidelined, the brand’s other star athlete, Michael Jordan, continues to generate significant revenue for Nike, highlighting the enduring power of the Jordan Brand.

In 1984, Nike was a fledgling company with an annual revenue of only $920 million and was struggling to turn a profit. It was in this context that they signed a bold and game-changing deal with a young basketball player named Michael Jordan. The deal was unique in that it was royalty-based, meaning that Nike would pay Jordan a percentage of the sales of his signature shoes. This was a risky move for Nike, but it ultimately proved to be a stroke of genius.

Michael Jordan’s immense popularity, both on and off the court, fueled the success of the Air Jordan line of sneakers. The shoes became not just athletic wear, but cultural icons, coveted by fans and collectors alike. As Jordan’s career flourished, so did the Jordan Brand, becoming a multi-billion dollar enterprise within Nike.

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Tiger Woods signed with Nike in 1996, just as his professional golf career was taking off. The deal was similar to the one Nike had made with Jordan, with Woods receiving a percentage of sales from his signature Nike golf shoes and apparel. Woods’ dominance in golf helped further to solidify Nike’s position as a leading sportswear brand.

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However, in recent years, Woods has been plagued by injuries, forcing him to take extended breaks from competitive golf. Despite his absence and his parting ways with the brand, Nike has not seen a significant decline in sales. This is due in large part to the continued strength of the Jordan Brand, which has grown to account for a significant portion of Nike’s overall revenue.

In 2023, Nike generated $51 billion in revenue, with the Jordan Brand alone contributing $6.6 billion according to the report by Sportico.

While Tiger Woods’ absence from golf may have caused some concern, Nike’s story demonstrates the power of building a strong brand identity with the right partnerships. The Jordan Brand, built on the foundation of Michael Jordan’s legacy, continues to be a major driver of Nike’s success, proving that even in the face of adversity, a well-established brand can weather the storm.

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