TIGER Woods has said goodbye to Nike - but he's not done yet.
The golfing legend announced this week that his 27-year association with the sportswear giants, who helped establish him as a global sports icon by taking him on the moment he turned pro in 1996, had come to an end.
With the fifteen-time major champ, who has struggled with horrendous injuries in the last few years, in the twilight of his stellar career, time is running out for the 48-year-old to add to his astonishing trophy haul.
But The U.S. Sun has spoken to two well-placed sources - one within the PGA Tour and the other close to Woods - who both revealed the cash-hungry star is still chasing - and able - to bring in the big bucks, with five sporting brands already showing their hand.
Adidas, a fierce rival of Nike, and Skechers, who are making headway into golf and other sports, are leading the way along with Greyson Clothiers, Malbon, and New Balance.
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His first, five-year deal raked in $40 million and raised more than a few eyebrows, but following his unforgettable, legendary ascent to the top of golf, the numbers began to skyrocket.
The eight-year deal Woods penned in 2006 was worth around $160 million, while the one signed in 2013, his last with Nike, brought in $200 million.
Despite his crippling back problems, and the unlikeliness of adding to his major haul, the American superstar will struggle to match that kind of numbers moving forward.
But, as our source points out, any company that associates with a sporting legend like Woods will only benefit and take their business "onto another level."
The insider, who is close to Woods' inner circle, believes he can expect a deal that could max out at around $14 million a year, with offers ranging from $8 million to $12 million already on the table.
Given the amount of interested parties, business-savvy Woods, worth an estimated $1.1 billion, could even take on a couple of interested suitors, to seriously maximize the end of his career.
"He remains the most marketable sports guy in America with LeBron James and Michael Jordan," the insider said.
"Tiger is still an athlete that brings a lot of visibility and exposure to brands. Working with him is like winning the lottery."
Woods will "take his time" in making a decision, according to the source who predicts the golf legend will ultimately take up an ambassadorial role with any new sponsor which would result in a "win-win situation for everyone involved."
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Nike, who recently told investors they plan to cut $2 billion in expenditure over the next three years, has pulled back from golf in recent years.
They stopped producing clubs and balls in 2016, and now have cut ties with one of their biggest stars.
"Tiger was disappointed to end the collaboration with Nike," said a PGA source.
"It's a large amount of money to lose but he has learned a lot with them, especially how to become a fierce entrepreneur and a very successful businessman."
Woods will next appear at the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles in February, where Malbon Golf, who were formed in 2017, is based.
The company recently took on another ex-Nike player in Australian Jason Day while Greyson Clothiers, who has an association with Woods' son Charlie, is also in the mix.
Skechers, meanwhile, have dipped into the sports and entertainment world in recent years - rap superstar Snoop Dog is on their payroll, as is 2022 U.S. Open winner Matt Fitzpatrick.
"Tiger is still a game changer," added the insider.
"But the next deals he signs are going to be very important, especially as he starts thinking about life after playing."
