Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are on the hunt for a fresh deal, with Nike potentially in their sights following Tiger Woods’ departure.
The golf legend recently bid farewell to his 27-year collaboration with Nike, marking the end of an era.
Despite facing various challenges throughout his career, Woods remained a loyal ambassador for the brand.
The separation was made public on social media, where Woods reminisced about the auspicious beginnings of their partnership back in 1996.
Initially valued at $40 million, the contract between Woods and Nike soared to an unprecedented $100 million by 2001, eventually reaching a staggering lifetime value of $600 million.
Speculation arose that Meghan Markle had recommended Prince Harry as a potential Nike ambassador post-Woods’ exit, but purportedly, Nike did not respond to inquiries from Meghan’s camp.
Reports from HRH’s office indicated that Meghan had been in discussions with Nike for several months regarding a children’s line, but negotiations fell through, leading to Nike walking away.
Amid talks of a Hollywood comeback, Meghan’s efforts to secure lucrative brand endorsements have been met with challenges.
Royal insider Tom Bauer acknowledged Meghan’s dedication, stating, “She does look amazingly good at the moment and is clearly working hard at it.”
Despite rumors of a potential partnership with Dior, discussions were ultimately quashed by the fashion house’s team.
Bauer expressed disappointment at Meghan’s struggles to land endorsement deals, particularly with brands like Dior.
Prior to an official response from Meghan’s representative, sources hinted at a potential collaboration between the Duchess of Sussex and Dior, which was later debunked.
Meghan’s spokesperson clarified that there were no ongoing discussions with Dior for a partnership.
Following their exit from Spotify, Meghan Markle revealed a new podcast deal, signaling a fresh start.
However, a royal expert cautioned that the road ahead might be challenging given recent setbacks.
Meghan and Harry had clinched a significant $25 million deal with Spotify upon stepping back from royal duties in 2020, only to be dropped from the platform later on.
The couple’s departure led to strong remarks from a top Spotify executive, branding them as “grifters.”
While Meghan’s collaboration with Lemonada allows her to continue podcasting, the deal pales in comparison to their former Spotify agreement.
Lemonada’s overall revenue across its podcasts last year was a fraction of what Meghan and Harry earned from Spotify.
The Lemonada deal, while a positive development for Meghan, falls short of the magnitude of their previous partnership.
Notably, when they signed with Spotify, Meghan and Harry joined a roster of high-profile figures, including former US President Barack Obama.
In contrast, Lemonada features podcasts from personalities such as Nickelodeon star Jeanette McCurdy and actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Criticisms have emerged regarding Meghan’s podcasting approach, with claims that she delegated interviews to producers rather than engaging directly with guests, raising questions about authenticity and relevance.
Commentator Kinsey Schofield highlighted perceived shortcomings in Meghan’s previous podcast, citing a lack of authenticity and relevance in the discussions.
Schofield emphasized the evolving landscape of Hollywood and the need for content to address contemporary issues rather than outdated themes.
As Meghan navigates her podcasting journey with Lemonada, the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead remain uncertain, underscoring the ever-changing dynamics of the media industry.