Jason Day has signed a new deal with Malbon Golf, ending the Australian professional golfer’s prior relationship with Nike.
The news marks Nike’s first major setback in its golfing business amid rumors that the Swoosh could be scaling back its presence in the sport.
Both Day and the Malbon announced the start of the new partnership via Jan. 2 posts on X, formerly Twitter.
“I’m entering a new chapter with Malbon Golf, so things are going to look a little different around here,” Day said in a promotional video touting the partnership, shared by Malbon. Photos shared by Day showed the athlete in Malbon-branded apparel and footwear.
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Day will wear Malbon apparel later this week during his competition at The Sentry, the season-opening tournament of the PGA Tour. Day, a former World No. 1 golf champion, had been a Nike partner since he signed with the brand in 2017 for a deal worth a reported $10 million a year. Prior to that, he had partnered with Adidas.
The news comes amid reports that Nike could be scaling down its golf business. The “No Laying Up” golf podcast reported in December that Tiger Woods’ time as a Nike athlete could soon be coming to an end and also hinted at a similar situation unfolding with other Nike golf athletes — which include stars such as Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka.
In a December note to investors, Williams Trading analyst Sam Poser called out reports that Nike “may be planning to license out its entire golf business” and part ways with Woods, Mcilroy, Scheffler and Koepka.
“The changes will likely remove Nike’s presence in golf, and will do long term damage to the brand,” Poser wrote.
Nike golf shoes have been a standout in the sector since the early aughts, in large part due to Woods and his signature line that put the Swoosh’s golf line on the map. This ultimately helped bring on recreational players and modern-day pros.
