McIlroy signs big money Nike deal

Published Monday, 14 January 2013
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Holywood golfer Rory McIlroy is poised to become one of the biggest earners in sporting history, following confirmation of a multi-million pound sponsorship deal with Nike.

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    McIlroy lands Nike deal
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FACTBOX: WORLD'S HIGHEST-PAID ATHLETES IN 2012
Floyd Mayweather, 35, (boxing)
£53m
Manny Pacquaio, 33, (boxing)
£39m
Tiger Woods, 36, (golf)
£37m
LeBron James, 27, (basketball)
£32.8m
Roger Federer, 30, (tennis)
£32.5m
Kobe Bryant, 33, (basketball)
£32.3m
Phil Mickelson, 41, (golf)
£30m
David Beckham, 37, (football)
£29m
Cristiano Ronaldo, 27, (football)
£26.5m
Peyton Manning, 36, (American football)
£26.4m

The 23-year-old world number one was unveiled as the company's new brand ambassador in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Although the exact details of the contract were not announced, it has been widely reported to be worth as much as $150m over 10 years, if McIlroy carries on winning majors.

"I chose Nike for a number of reasons," said the Northern Irishman.

"It's a company and a brand that really resonates with me. It's young. It's athletic. It's innovative. They are committed to being the best, as am I."

Signing with Nike is another step towards living out my dream

Rory McIlroy

McIlroy, previously with Titleist, will now use Nike's full range of clubs, balls, clothing and accessories as he joins 14-major winner Tiger Woods in the company's colours.

The champion golfers go head to head in Nike's new advert, which shows them teeing off on a golf course with some unexpected results.

McIlroy challenges Woods, who he refers to as "the old guy" as their golf balls bounce into homes, offices and even interrupt one couple's big day.

While McIlroy chuckles that he is having "one of those days" when he "just can't miss", Tiger has the last laugh.

Cindy Davis, president of Nike Golf, said: "Rory is an extraordinary athlete who creates enormous excitement with his on-course performance while, at the same time, connecting with fans everywhere.

"He is the epitome of a Nike athlete and he is joining our team during the most exciting time in Nike Golf's history. We are looking forward to partnering with him to take his remarkable career to the next level."

McIlroy tweeted he was "pumped to officially be a Nike athlete" and was welcomed to the fold by fellow Nike-sponsored sportsman Wayne Rooney, who said: "Excited to see you have another great season."

McIlroy, who already has two major titles under his belt, begins the new season this week at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

© UTV News
Comments Comments
6 Comments
David in Belfast wrote (129 days ago):
Doing Ireland proud :)
sean in donegal wrote (129 days ago):
No one denies Rorys talent.As for getting no more than a premiership footballer,you having a laugh.Rory is earning from this deal alone £31grand a day.Footballers are well overpaid also but to compare them to Rory income they are quite a few divisions below him.
Belfast in Belfast wrote (130 days ago):
Rory is getting no more than a premiership footballer, so it's a drop in the ocean in that respect! Good luck to him! He has worked really hard to beat the best in the world! He has done our wee country proud!
M Moore in Limavady wrote (130 days ago):
Good luck to rory he has a special talent
Thomascow in Bangor County Down Ireland wrote (130 days ago):
The world is mad & always has been ruled by money, wages from one penny a day to sums like this shows how out of control we are.
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