In a move that has sent shockwaves through both the tech and sports industries, Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly offered golfing superstar Nelly Korda a staggering $245 million endorsement contract, with one very specific condition: that she publicly join an advertising campaign to promote the latest iPhone features and continue using and endorsing the device throughout her upcoming appearance at the prestigious Amundi Evian Championship.

The news, first reported by sources close to Appleâs marketing division, has ignited massive debate online, with fans and analysts speculating about the growing intersection between elite sports and high-stakes tech sponsorships.
A Historic Offer
According to insiders, the proposed deal from Apple would make Nelly Korda one of the highest-paid female athletes in endorsement history. The contract reportedly includes:
-
A prominent role in Appleâs new iPhone global advertising campaign.
-
Social media and personal appearances highlighting how Korda integrates the iPhone into her training, travel, and competitive life.
-
Exclusive rights for Apple to feature Korda in commercials and digital content during the entire Amundi Evian Championship, one of womenâs golfâs five major tournaments.
-
A performance bonus clause tied to her success at the tournament and future events.
Industry experts estimate the total value of the dealâincluding potential bonuses and stock optionsâcould ultimately exceed the initial $245 million figure.
Why Nelly Korda?
For Apple, the move signals an aggressive push to tap into the sports audience, particularly younger fans who follow athletes on social media. Nelly Korda, currently the worldâs No. 1-ranked womenâs golfer and an Olympic gold medalist, has developed a massive global following not just for her dominance on the course, but also for her approachable personality and broad appeal.
âSheâs the perfect ambassador,â said digital marketing analyst Laura Chen. âSheâs young, vibrant, tech-savvy, and has an image thatâs clean and aspirational. If Apple wants to connect the iPhone with elite performance, discipline, and success, thereâs no better fit.â
Tying Tech and Sport
This proposed partnership would be more than just celebrity endorsement. Sources say Apple envisions Nelly showcasing how she uses the iPhoneâs newest featuresâincluding enhanced video capabilities, fitness and health apps, and on-device AIâto improve her game and manage the demands of professional sports.
Tim Cook has made no secret of wanting to position Apple devices as indispensable tools for elite athletes. A tie-in with a golfer competing on one of the sportâs biggest stages could be a masterstroke of marketing.
âGolf is a perfect platform,â said sports economist Dr. Julian Grant. âItâs global, itâs watched by affluent consumers, and the game itself is data-driven, making it a natural match for tech integration. Apple isnât just selling a phoneâtheyâre selling an ecosystem thatâs supposed to enhance your entire life, including sports.â
The Stunning Response
Yet while the sports world buzzed about the magnitude of Appleâs offer, it was Nelly Kordaâs reaction that truly stole headlines.
In a brief statement released through her management, Korda offered just a single sentence:
âIâll only say yes if it makes me better on the courseâand truer to who I am.â
That cryptic, measured response has set social media ablaze. Fans and pundits are debating whether Korda will ultimately accept the offer, or whether sheâs hesitant to tie her personal brand so closely to a single companyâeven one as iconic as Apple.
What Comes Next?
Neither Apple nor Kordaâs representatives have issued further official comments, leaving speculation swirling. Some insiders believe Korda may be seeking adjustments to the contract to ensure authenticity in how she promotes the product. Others wonder if the dollar figure itselfâwhile enormousâmight not be enough for a star known for carefully managing her public image and personal values.
For now, all eyes are on the Amundi Evian Championship, where fans will be watching not only Kordaâs shots on the fairways but also whether sheâs clutching Appleâs newest iPhone between rounds.
One thing is certain: in an age where tech and sports increasingly collide, the outcome of this blockbuster offer could set a precedent for how athletes and major corporations partner in the years ahead.
Stay tuned for updates as this extraordinary story unfolds.