The fashion brand Oakley is desperately trying to keep Rory McIlroy onboard as a brand ambassador, so they’ve begun legal proceedings against Nike’s new €191m deal.
Poor awl Rory McIlroy just can’t get a break. For months he was hounded over the issue surrounding his alliance between Ireland and the UK and now he’s caught up in the middle of a sponsorship battle that has two of the biggest sponsors in sport going head to head.
The world no.1 was set to sign a new 10-year deal worth €191m ($250m) with Nike, but Oakley are now kicking up a fuss.
The sun glasses maker initially began proceeding last month stating: “Oakley’s contract with Rory has a right of first refusal that permits us to retain Rory as an Oakley endorser by matching any offer he receives covering our products,” the company said in a statement.
“These types of provisions are common in the industry. Oakley values Rory and will do all it can to retain him,” it added.
While Rory might be the cause of the debate, he can rest easy knowing that no matter the outcome, there’s a boatload of cash heading his way.
