Rising golf superstar Rory McIlroy is set to become $250million richer by replacing Tiger Woods as the face of sportswear giant Nike.
According to reports this morning, McIlroy is poised to sign a 10-year deal with the American company when his present contract with golf equipment firm Titleist finishes at the end of December.
In pics: World's highest paid athletes
McIlory, 23, is the current world number one and takes on Woods in an exhibition match in China next week. He has refused to comment on the deal.
"I’ve never been motivated by money," McIlory told Britain's Daily Mail.
"All the business stuff will work itself out. What I want is more trophies.
"I leave it to Conor [Ridge, McIlroy’s manager] to sort out as it leaves me to concentrate on my golf. I have enough to think about trying to get the ball in the hole. I’ve got a very important end to my season coming up."
If the deal goes ahead, it would dwarf Nike's contract with Woods, believed to be worth approximately $15million a year.
Nike was one of just a few sponsors who stuck by Woods after revelations of his extra-marital affairs.
The company has severed ties with disgraced American cyclist Lance Armstrong in a move that some analysts believe left them scrambling for a new pin-up.
McIlroy's current list of sponsors include the Dubai-based Jumeirah Group, Oakley, watchmaker Audemars Piguet and bank Santander.
Forbes magazine lists Nike as the most valuable sports brand in the world, worth $15billion.
HOME
