World number one golfer Rory McIlroy has signed a multi million dollar deal to become Nike's new brand ambassador. The double major winner will be paid a reported £150-million for what is described as a “multi-year agreement”.
The Northern Ireland star says this puts him in the same bracket as the biggest names in world sport and although the exact figure and time frame of the contract have yet to be confirmed it is widely believed that this deal makes McIlroy one of the top, if not the, highest paid sports stars in history.
In 2012 London based marketing agency Sports Pro ranked McIlroy as the second most marketable sports star in the world, with only Brazilian footballer Neymar ahead of the County Down golfer and Nike have long been rumoured to be interested in making the Northern Irishman the face of their golf operation.
The announcement was made at a lavish press conference in Abu Dhabi, where the new golf season begins this week. Pre-recorded videos of other Nike superstars were played, including Wayne Rooney, Roger Federer and Tiger Woods.
The first Nike commercial starring McIlroy was also shown.
The world number one will use new clubs and balls as part of the deal.
But he doesn't think the change will be a problem.
