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 Appleās 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 Appleās 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 womenās golfās 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 dealāincluding potential bonuses and stock optionsācould 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 worldās No. 1-ranked womenās 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.
āSheās the perfect ambassador,ā said digital marketing analyst Laura Chen. āSheās young, vibrant, tech-savvy, and has an image thatās clean and aspirational. If Apple wants to connect the iPhone with elite performance, discipline, and success, thereās no better fit.ā
Tying Tech and Sport
This proposed partnership would be more than just celebrity endorsement. Sources say Apple envisions Nelly showcasing how she uses the iPhoneās newest featuresāincluding enhanced video capabilities, fitness and health apps, and on-device AIāto 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 sportās biggest stages could be a masterstroke of marketing.
āGolf is a perfect platform,ā said sports economist Dr. Julian Grant. āItās global, itās watched by affluent consumers, and the game itself is data-driven, making it a natural match for tech integration. Apple isnāt just selling a phoneātheyāre selling an ecosystem thatās supposed to enhance your entire life, including sports.ā
The Stunning Response
Yet while the sports world buzzed about the magnitude of Appleās offer, it was Nelly Kordaās reaction that truly stole headlines.
In a brief statement released through her management, Korda offered just a single sentence:
āIāll only say yes if it makes me better on the courseāand truer to who I am.ā
That cryptic, measured response has set social media ablaze. Fans and pundits are debating whether Korda will ultimately accept the offer, or whether sheās hesitant to tie her personal brand so closely to a single companyāeven one as iconic as Apple.
What Comes Next?
Neither Apple nor Kordaās 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 itselfāwhile enormousāmight 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 Kordaās shots on the fairways but also whether sheās clutching Appleās 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.