Former No. 1 golfer Dustin Johnson ends 15-year partnership with Adidas

Dustin Johnson hoists the championship trophy following his victory in the LIV Golf Invitational Boston at The International Golf Club in Bolton, MA. – CC BY-SA

ESPN has reported that former world No. 1 golfer Dustin “DJ” Johnson has decided to end his 15-year sponsorship deal with Adidas Golf to devote more time to expanding the 4Aces GC brand.

Adidas Golf president Jeff Lienhart told ESPN that the firm and “long-time Adidas athlete Dustin Johnson” had parted ways by mutual agreement, adding that Johnson had been a fantastic advocate for the Adidas brand for over 15 years.

Lienhart also praised Johnson, who has won many major tournaments to rise to No. 1 in the world rankings and established himself as one of the best players in golf history while wearing the 3-Stripes.

“We wish Dustin nothing but success moving forward,” he said.

Johnson is the captain and an equity owner of the 4Aces GC team. The source who told ESPN said that the 38-year-old golfer believes that wearing the team’s logo on his clothing is crucial to promoting the team’s brand and franchise.

“We’ve mutually agreed to part ways with long-time Adidas athlete, Dustin Johnson.”

Jeff Lienhart, Adidas Golf president

The source also explained that developing the team’s brand was essential to its success, with 4Aces GC t-shirts being one of its main assets.

According to the source, selling brand placement on shirts is a key aspect of the LIV Golf League’s sponsorship model, much like the Premier League with its uniforms or Formula 1 with its cars.

The source noted that Johnson is appreciative of Adidas for allowing him to terminate the contract, adding that despite ending the relationship, the player plans to keep wearing Adidas shoes even though the company will not pay him.

As soon as he turned pro in 2007, Johnson inked a sponsorship deal with Adidas. In 2016, he re-upped his long-term contract with the sports apparel giant, but the specific financial terms were not made public.

In September 2016, Johnson said Adidas Golf was more than “just a sponsor.” Adidas, he explained, had been with him since the beginning of his career, working together to develop, create and celebrate.