McIlroy Set for Cash Swoosh

Getty Images

LeBron James signed a seven-year, $93 million contract with Nike in May 2003 and then signed a new shoe contract with Nike in 2010 that pays the Miami Heat basketball player more than $10 million per year. In all James earns about $28 million a year from a range of endorsements. 

In 2006 Tiger Woods signed his third multi-year agreement with Nike for an undisclosed fee, as is company policy, the terms of the contract were not released. Although Woods' original contract with Nike was for a reported five years, and valued at $40 million. In 2001, he signed another five-year deal, for a reported $100 million. 

In the past week Nike has ended the agreement with the one time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong following the decisions by the Union Cycliste International to endorse the findings of the US Anti doping Agency and banned the Texan athletes from cycling. With that decision came the loss of seven Tour titles and a lengthy of list of sponsors now clambering to distance themselves from the drug taking athlete. The estimated financial loss for Armstrong already reaching $50 million. 

Lance has repeatedly denied doping, saying he has never failed a drug test. Last week he stood down as chairman of Livestrong, the charity he started in 1996, in order to “spare the foundation any negative effects as a result of controversy surrounding my cycling career.” 

Armstrong and Nike signed a five-year contract in 2010 to pay the Lance Armstrong Foundation at least $7.5 million annually from profits generated by Livestrong merchandise, according to Outside magazine. Nike said last week after release of the USADA report that it “plans to continue to support Lance.” 

Highlighting his commercial value it should be noted that Armstrong earned $21 million in 2010, which made him the 50th highest-paid athlete in the world, according to an annual list released by Forbes magazine. 

It is into this mega world of sponsorship that two time major golf major winner Rory McIlroy is rumoured to be entering with suggested deals ranging up to $250 million over ten years – and in a similar league to LeBron james. 

To put matters into further perspective Michael Jordan signed his first five year deal with Nike in 1984 for $2.5 million contract with Nike in 1984. The brand Jordan is now a $1 billion business for Nike with MJ getting a piece of the profits. 

Nike has been seeking new face to sponsor in the world of golf having previously sunk  alot of hipes in Anthony Kim , who has proved a huge disappointment on the PGA Tour.

As McIlroy’s current deal with Titleist/FootJoy is set to expire at the end of this season, leaving the world number one a free agent. It is expected that a deal of the size suggested - $250million - would result in McIlroy going with Nike products from head to toe and from driver to wedge. 

McIlroy's other existing contracts inlcude the Dubai-based hotel group Jumeirah, the sunglasses manufacturer Oakley, Santander bank, and the watchmaker Audemars Piguet.

In the case of Tiger Woods it took some time to make the switch to Nike golf balls and clubs and was not part of his second deal. But by 2010 he had made the change and in a one swoosh also ended a marketing conflict between Nike and Titleist - that began when Nike entered the golf ball market. 

Tiger Woods then began using Nike new irons at the American Express Championship in Ireland in 2004, another step in his move away from the Titleist brand. 

``We won't be satisfied until we can convince him that we've made a better product for every club in his bag,'' Nike Golf General Manager Chris Zimmerman said in an interview at the time 

These days the former World Number 1 uses a signature model Nike golf ball with his own line of shoes, gloves, hats and shirts emblazoned with the company's trademark ``swoosh'' and Wood's personal ``TW'' logo. 

But no equipment changes comes without risk or can be done without raising superstition as  Tiger recognised at the time, and having only switched from Mizuno when he turned professional in 1997. 

Just ask Graeme McDowell who after winning the US Open in 20010 signed a very lucrative deal with Srixon, and leaving Callaway after many years. Not to mention much success .

In return for a multi-year contract McDowell agreed to use Srixon irons, Cleveland wedges and the latest Srixon golf balls. He also now wears a Srixon hat, uses the glove and carries a Srixon bag. All reward for becoming the first European to win the US Open for 40 years - since equalled by McIlroy - and holing the winning putt at the Ryder Cup in 2010. Not to mention defeating Tiger Woods over 36 holes and a play off at the Chevron World Challenge the same year.

Since making the switch though McDowell has yet to win a tournament, all adding to the understandable reluctance of golfers to change their equipment. Unless of course the deal is too hard to refuse. Particulalry as these sponsorshop deals exceed the athletes annual salaries by a multiple of the possible prize money earned in a season in golf. Or the annual salaries that are possible in the NBA, NFL or indeed football world.

There is a vital difference between career earnings and endorsements.

Floyd Mayweather

Total Earnings between June 2011 to June 2012: $85 million

Salary/winnings: $85 million

Endorsements: $0

Sport: Boxing , Age: 35

Manny Pacquaio

Total Earnings between June 2011 to June 2012: $62 million

Salary/winnings: $56 million

Endorsements: $6 million (Monster Energy, Hennessy, Nike, Hewlett-Packard)

Sport: Boxing , Age: 33

Tiger Woods

Total Earnings between June 2011 to June 2012: $59.4 million

Salary/winnings: $4.4 million

Endorsements: $55 million (Nike)

Sport: Golf, Age: 36

Net Worth: $500 million – As of September 2010, according to Forbes

LeBron James

Total Earnings between June 2011 to June 2012: $53 million

Salary/winnings: $13 million

Endorsements: $40 million ( Nike, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, State Farm and others)

Sport: Basketball, Age: 27

Roger Federer

Total Earnings between June 2011 to June 2012: $52.7 million

Salary/winnings: $7.7 million

Endorsements: $45 million (Nike, Rolex, Wilson, Credit Suisse)

Sport: Tennis, Age: 30

Kobe Bryant

Total Earnings between June 2011 to June 2012: $52.3 million

Salary/winnings: $20.3 million

Endorsements: $32 million

Sport: Basketball, Age: 33

Phil Mickelson

Total Earnings between June 2011 to June 2012: $47.8 million

Salary/winnings: $4.8 million

Endorsements: $43 million (Callaway, Barclay’s, KPMG, Exxon, Rolex, Amgen/Pfizer)

Sport: Golf, Age: 41

David Beckham

Total Earnings between June 2011 to June 2012: $46 million

Salary/winnings: $9 million

Endorsements: $37 million (Burger King, Sainsbury’s, Samsung)

Net Worth: £160 million ($260m) – As of April 2012, according to the Sunday Times Rich List

Sport: Football, Age:37

9 Cristiano Ronaldo

Total Earnings between June 2011 to June 2012: $42.5 million

Salary/winnings: $20.5 million

Endorsements: $22 million (Nike, Castrol, Konami and others)

Sport: Football, Age: 27

10 Peyton Manning

Total Earnings between June 2011 to June 2012: $42.4 million

Salary/winnings: $32.4 million

Endorsements: $10 million (Reebok, Sony, Wheaties, DirecTV, Gatorade, Papa John’s)

Sport: Football (NFL) , Age: 36

Full list

Related articles

• Armstrong Loses Nike and Livestrong
• McIlroy Set to Join Nike Team
• Will Rory McIlroy Join Tiger Woods at Nike?
• RUMOR: Rory McIlroy To Join Tiger Woods As Face Of Nike Golf For As Much As $250 Million
• Nike homing in on McIlroy?
• You: Report: McIlroy to go to Nike for 10 years, $250M?

ARU Seek McKenzie's Gold

Getty Images

Australian Rugby Union has announced former Test prop Ewen McKenzie as the new Qantas Wallabies Head Coach from early August.

McKenzie replaces Robbie Deans, who has decided to step down from the role following the DHL Australia 2013 Lions Tour.

Deans has resigned prior to the December expiry of his coaching contract, giving McKenzie the opportunity to guide the Qantas Wallabies’ upcoming campaign in the Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship and the Grand Slam Spring Tour in November.

In ascending to the country’s top coaching position, McKenzie becomes the first former Australian international installed in the job since Dave Brockhoff coached the Wallabies to a Bledisloe Cup success in his final year at the helm in 1979.

The ARU Board endorsed McKenzie to succeed Deans after receiving a recommendation from ARU CEO Bill Pulver.

Mr Pulver said with Deans’ contract set to expire at the end of 2013, an advisory group approved by the Board had been assessing the coaching position and potential candidates – including Deans – as the season progressed.

“We have been conducting that due diligence over the last few months, taking into account broad criteria for coach selection,” he said.

“Consideration was given to leadership skills, discipline, coaching capability, coaching records, and important factors such as character, values and style of play.

“Therefore, we were well prepared depending on how the year unfolded.

“Robbie resigning in the wake of the Lions Tour did not catch us unprepared to move forward with a replacement.

“Having established the necessary criteria, and spoken to the relevant people, we were convinced that Ewen was now the man to take the Qantas Wallabies forward.

“His opportunity comes forward quickly, with the Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship and the opening match of that competition – the Bledisloe Cup showdown with the All Blacks on August 17.

“In welcoming Ewen, ARU also wants to say a sincere thank you to Robbie Deans for his massive contribution to the game in this country over a long period of time.

“Robbie came into the job in 2008, improved our away record almost immediately, delivered a Tri Nations title in 2011, and has been a significant part of a Lions Tour that over shadows any other Rugby event in Australia since the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

“To Robbie, we wish him all the best in his future endeavours and to build further on what is one of world Rugby’s most impressive coaching resumes.”

Incoming Qantas Wallabies coach, Ewen McKenzie, said he felt humbled at being appointed coach of the Qantas Wallabies and was excited by the opportunities that lay ahead.

“To coach the Wallabies is a huge honour and also a special opportunity to lead a team that I’ve enjoyed many great experiences with in the past as both a player and coach,” McKenzie said.

“As a role at the highest level, it’s one I aspire to because I truly believe I’m ready to make a difference on many levels.

“It’s not a role without challenges but is also one that comes with great opportunity and a chance to influence the current state of Rugby both on and off the field. 

“There’s no denying that Rugby functions within a hugely competitive sporting landscape and it’s important that the Qantas Wallabies are viewed as a central part of it and that the Australian Rugby brand is providing inspiration for our fans and the next generation of players.

“There are so many positives this game brings and by unifying all its parts and working efficiently together we can create a culture and structure whereby the Wallabies are consistently successful at the highest level in the biggest games.

“There is a significant opportunity with The Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship commencing in August and I think everyone is looking forward to getting to work and tackling the challenges ahead.”

Related articles

• Australia rugby coach Deans resigns
• Rugby: Ewen McKenzie replaces Robbie Deans as Wallabies coach
• Why Deans had to go
• Ewen McKenzie named new Australia coach
• McKenzie named as Australia coach
• McKenzie to tackle ill-discipline

Lions Seek Impact in BOD Test

Getty Images

In the lobby of the Intercontinental Hotel in Sydney on Thursday night a man was quietly organising a taxi for his family at the concierge, momentarily distracted when fans came up to speak to him. Almost unrecognisable dressed down in grey civvies he had melded into the busy throng around the hotel lobby. Yet a few hundred yards away at the Royal Automobile Club a Welshman, dressed in full Lions team wear, spent twenty minutes of his press conference discussing the absence of the Irishman ordering the taxi. Albeit Jonathan Davies did an admirable job in what were difficult circumstances for him forty eight hours before kick-off. Particularly when he thought he would lose out once Jamie Roberts was fit again to play. 

As Brian O’Driscoll whisked his wife Amy and Daughter Sadie to take refuge in the peace and quiet of a family dinner, the rugby world was in turmoil after Lions coach Warren Gatland's decision to leave out the Irish international centre and the tremor was felt across the media circles. The calmest man being O’Driscoll himself who accepted the selection in the manner you would expect, quietly, calmly and professionally. The decision perhaps only shocking for some as the rugby icon was not even of value on the bench and a point that attracted more criticism probably than the starting choice itself of Davies and Roberts. And that the team could not benefit from O’Driscoll's involvement proved an outcome much harder to fathom in many ways for fans. 

Truthfully though, BOD is not an impact substitute in the way others can be on game day. 

But as Davies fielded all the questions, the daunting task of what lay ahead became more apparent, all confirmed by the number of times O’Driscoll’s name was mentioned. Yet such is professional sport at this level, that one player's misfortune is another's unforeseen fortune with Davies now accumulating another Lions test cap on the 2013 tour and hoping to add to his tally of three tour tries. With the spot on the bench going to Manu Tuilagi, a player all the more surprised to find himself immersed in the final and crucial test. Which for all intents and purposes could become known as the BOD Test given the cruel events of this week for one of rugby’s greatest players.

Across the harbour at The Rocks, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans found it hard to argue against the notion that momentum was now edging his way of his squad, on the eve of the decisive test. His humour and fast ripostes showed a man engaging in gallows humour to some degree, clearly delighted to have been spared another chances after Melbourne levelled matters last week. Even if the choice of George Smith at flanker attracted a fair amount of comment, under normal circumstances it would have been another story the media could have beat him with. On this day however it was more Shangri-La and everybody seemed warmed by the thought of maintaining the 13 year winning record over The Lions. One which Deans would also enjoyed as player with The All Blacks and no doubt rejigging his game plan with the knowledge that O'Driscoll was no longer to be a threat.

The thought process ahead of the crucial third test was not complex for Deans, as long as his team secured with good possession in the right areas of the field the platform from which the Australians plan to demolish the Lions defence. Continuing in many ways the game plan from the Etihad Stadium seven days ago, which rendered that vital result for the Qantas Wallabies. Where Deans got more correct tactically than Gatland, leaving the Lions squeezed on the gain line, without ball in hand, and unable to relieve the almost constant Wallaby pressure. Or dominate the set piece to build an attacking platform. 

A rather flat performance to the impartial observers’ it would have to be said.

Not surprisingly therefore that on the eve of the game at the North Sydney Oval the language from forwards coach Graham Rowntree was all positive. And speaking of one great performance still left in the tank. In fact, billing the game as the greatest ever in his sporting career and one that all the squad were desperate to win. But no so desperate as to overcook it, a problem that might have been a determining factor in the second test given the deep disappointment the players felt when they lost out on a series win by the one point. It was a theme echoed by Richard Hibbard and Tommy Bowe when they faced the media after their final session. 

For Bowe it was time to play rugby, attack with ball in hand and seek that Holy Grail which for sixteen years has eluded packs of Lions. Be it in South Africa the last time. Or indeed New Zealand the previous time. Or indeed in Australia the time before that, all of thirteen years ago.

As the rugby world, and particularly the Irish sporting world digests the departure of Drico, at least at Lions test level, the final battle of the tour will still be down to the tightest of margins. Perhaps even the refereeing of Roman Poite, who it appears, is a welcome choice for the Lions as they gear up for the last test at the ANZ Stadium on Saturday night. A contest which pits two teams against each other once again, in a series that has not seen more than two points ever separate them at then final whistle, with both squads suffering a few major injuries and with two Kiwi coaches at the helm. In addition two squads fighting to write history. 

If the Lions may seem the hungrier bunch in terms of breaking that touring hoodoo, it is clear in downtown Sydney that the locals, who do take an interest the union game, are buoyed by the Etihad Stadium result. It remains to be seen whether Warren Gatland’s selection decisions were the correct ones.

The view of Sir Clive Woodward post second test was that substitutions or selections are far from scientific, and during the last game the Gatland’s decisions to haul off a number of players midway through the second half might have been premature – given the negative result. It would go without saying that the best laid plans in the locker room don’t always transfer the park. But that won’t worry Gatland who seems to thrive in the tough decisions, those big calls, and is rarely fazed by controversy. Thirteen years ago the same coach was urging Irish supporters to fax their best wishes to the Irish team at their Paris hotel, ahead of what became a historic win at Stade France in 2000. In Sydney though there have been few well-wishing faxes one imagines relating to things thirteen. 

Although should the Lions win the series the well-wishers will no doubt forget the O’Driscoll call. Temporarily at least.

For Brian the future will be more about quiet dinners with Amy and Sadie – which will give him time to reflect on a career that has given so much to the game. 

For BOD has truly been a player of impact. 

It’s just he has failed to get Gatland’s trust in the deciding test on Saturday night in Sydney.

OSM - All rights reserved

To be or Not be Torres

OSM News App

Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque faced over twenty–four hours of criticism in the Spanish sporting press following his team’s 1-1 draw with Italy in Gdansk on Sunday afternoon. With even some added stories circulating that he was extremely annoyed after the match and there was a row of sorts within the team. A matter he clarified in the press conference on Tuesday at the impressive training facilities in Gniewino, reassuring the media there was nothing of the sort. 

In fact, he was happy enough with the result given it was the first game. 

But ahead of the match with the Republic of Ireland, Del Bosque was unwilling to share any team selections, claiming he had yet to decide on the final eleven and so would wait a further few days. Not surprising given the team selection for Spain’s opening EURO 2012 match attracted the most heat, and the decision not to pick a traditional centre forward from the kick off, in the shape of either Fernando - Llorente or Torres – the main talking point. 

The choice of Cesc Fabregas to start and relying on the midfielders to break forward when on the edge of the box seems to have been the issue for the Spanish press. The fact that Fabregas then scored the equaliser spared the blushes all round and seems to have justified Del Bosque’s decision. At least in the manager’s mind anyway. 

However, the media remain unimpressed, even if they should not be totally surprised. All e too influenced perhaps by the success of Llorente in Athletic Bilbao’s Europa League campaign this season. 

During his time at Real Madrid, del Bosque did same with Guti, pushing him into the hole, with the freedom to attack the box anytime there was a chance on. The result was winning La Liga in 2001 and 2003 - doing so without solely relying on a Fernando Morientes or Ronaldo type to score the goals. Probably easier to do when the calibre of player includes Luis Figo, Zidane or Raul. Indeed in South Africa Torres was only used as an impact sub in their world cup winning campaign, and only started twice – being substituted on both occasions by Fabregas or Juana Mata. 

It was Luis Aragones, the Spanish coach in 2008, who relied on the explosive Torres speed to deliver goals. But that was then and in the now the Chelsea striker has lost some of that zip. Anyway, it is a moot point given that the great Brazil side of 1970 World Cup also had no recognised centre forward. 

Coach Mario Zagalo faced a headache as he tried not only to accommodate five players in the national squad - all playing centre forward at their clubs - but also making the combination work for Brazil. And at a major tournament as well. 

As football history records the result was a work of beauty as the five midfielders also had exceptional scoring ability and most did so by breaking into the space left vacant by the lack of a traditional number 9. Even today there are few arguments as to the formation Zagalo chose for those weeks in July, especially as Rivelino, Gerson, Pele, Tostao or Jairzinho all got on the score sheet during the tournament. 

Regardless of those facts, Del Bosque was clear about one thing ahead of Thursday’s match was that the discipline and structure typify the Republic of Ireland and it means that Spain will have to work on breaking down that lack of space. A diagnosis which shows a healthy respect it would seem for the Giovanni Trapattoni system, rather than any outright fear that Spain are vulnerable to a major threat from Ireland in their second match. 

But at Tuesday’s training session there were few clues as to Del Bosque’s thinking as the practice match saw the two teams play with Juanfran, Javi Martínez, Albiol, Busquets, Xavi, Cesc, Pedro, Mata and Torres on one side and Sergio Ramos, Piqué, Arbeloa, Jordi Alba, Xabi Alonso, Cazorla, Iniesta, Silva, Llorente and Negredo on the other. The only topic of note being that Torres scored a hat-trick. 

In the aftermath of the Italy game the Spanish players had few complaints other than some comments about the state of the pitch on the day. But Del Bosque was quick to ensure that it was not an excuse for the result and they would not be taking the issue much further. For the Ireland game the venue was the same and Spain would just get on with it – whatever the teams was on the night. For the waiting Spanish media the only clue Del Bosque did give was that he would be selecting a number 9 for the game. 

The general consensus is that whoever takes the ninth spot on the team sheet it is unlikely to be Fernando Torres.

Spain v Republic of Ireland - Preview - Group c

The Republic of Ireland are preparing to face Spain in Gdansk on Thursday knowing a defeat would send them tumbling out of Euro 2012.

The 3-1 defeat to Croatia in Poznan on Sunday was a bitter blow to Irish hopes as that arguably represented their best chance of claiming three points in Group C, given Italy lurk after Spain in their final group match.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni is under pressure to make changes to his starting line-up following Sunday's defeat, their first in 14 matches.

The 73-year-old is unlikely to make any dramatic alternations to his side though, choosing instead to stick to his tried and trusted players.

With just two wins from 14 previous games against La Roja - who in turn are unbeaten in their last 15 competitive matches - Ireland go into the game as huge underdogs.

However, striker Robbie Keane remains confident that his side can spring a surprise against the world and European champions, despite the intimidating odds.

"We know it's going to be a tough task on Thursday," said the LA Galaxy striker. "After all, they are one of the best teams in the world but there's no reason why we can't get something out of the game.

"In any case it's very difficult as a player to go into a game thinking you just want a point. But it wouldn't be the end of the world if we did."

Over in the Spain camp, midfielder Sergio Busquets has defended coach Vicente del Bosque's decision to play without any recognised strikers in their 1-1 draw against Italy on Sunday.

Despite having Alvaro Negredo, Fernando Torres and Fernando Llorente at his disposal, del Bosque opted to play with six midfielders, giving the likes of David Silva and Cesc Fabregas licence to roam forward.

It was one of those forward runs that led to the equaliser against the Azzurri, Barcelona midfielder Fabregas slotting home from Silva's pinpoint pass.

Del Bosque has hinted that he may stick with the formation against the Irish, with Busquets fully behind his manager's decision.

"The centre of our midfield isn't overcrowded," insisted the 23-year-old. "it's based on having players with a good touch in the centre of the field and seeking to gain an advantage like that.

"Moreover, Spain have been playing that way for four years.

"I think there is a lack of patience shown when Spanish international football is being analysed. That wasn't just anyone we drew against - it was a very strong Italy side.

"But if we don't win, there always seems to be a 'but' from somebody or other. It's precisely what happened in the World Cup."

Trapattoni is unlikely to promote Sunderland winger James McClean to the starting line-up, despite a clamour from the fans for his inclusion.

Strikers Jonathan Walters and Simon Cox are pushing for a recall though after impressive displays from the bench on Sunday.

Midfielder Darron Gibson is also in contention after recovering from a thigh injury. Richard Dunne is ok to play after sitting out training on Tuesday with blistered feet.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque looks likely to stick with his controversial 4-6-0 formation, with Xavi, Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Cesc Fabregas taking turns to push on beyond the midfield.