Nike (NYSE:NKE) stock price

Thoughts of sponsorship of two of the biggest stars in sports, Lebron James and Tiger Woods, have sent the Nike (NYSE:NKE) stock price moving around the $74 mark for the past few days. With what might seem to some like an angel and devil situation, the duelling careers of Tiger and James have been worrying investors and board members, and the Nike stock price has reflected this uncertainty.

Nike stock price

First, the good news. Lebron James and Nike made a joint statement yesterday saying that they had agreed to continue their relationship for another X years. What started in 2003 as a deal with a much heralded High Schooler has become one of the biggest business deals in sports. Back then, James received $93 million in a seven year deal, and analysts suggest that a similar deal is one the cards this time around, as although James is a global star who raises Nike's profile, sales of his own lines (including basketball shoes) have not been as explosive as his play.

The story about Tiger Woods' infidelity is still impacting every corner of the sports (and non-sporting) world – and Nike are one of the few brands that have stuck by him. They have good reason, since they have sunk huge amounts of money into the star – and they are willing to hedge that in a couple of years this story will be nothing more than an asterisk on his glittering career.

If Woods performs as expected at The Masters in the coming weeks, expect the Nike (NYSE:NKE) stock price to rise, rewarding their faith in the elder of their golden sons.