In a deal reportedly worth at least $200 million, Nike has made the world’s No. 1 golfer Rory McIlroyits biggest star. Although no one involved would officially confirm the signing, FOXSports.com has learned that McIlroy has already filmed his first Nike television commercial, to debut next year. The personable young Northern Irishman appears in the ad alongside the man who helped recruit him to Nike,Tiger Woods. The two banter while hitting the company’s new red driver and marvel at how far they’re hitting the ball. The commercial also features two other long-hitting golfers, Nick Watney and Kyle Stanley, who have also made the switch to Nike as the company beefs up what has been a disappointing roster. McIlroy, who had used Titleist clubs and balls in his five years as a professional, has signed a 10-year deal with the Oregon-based sports giant. The deal – which could net as much as $250 million – makes him Nike’s highest-paid golfer, replacing Woods. It’s believed that Woods once earned $35 million a year from Nike, but took a hefty paycut after his marital infidelities became public in 2009.

Nike's Jordan brand just got a whole lot slam dunkier, as Blake Griffin has joined the infamous Jumpman ranks. Ken Berger of CBSSports.com reports that the Clippers star is heading to the big time when it comes to sneaker endorsements, joining a bevy of basketball talents: Griffin joins teammate Chris Paul in the Jordan Brand stable, which also includes such NBA stars as Carmelo Anthony, Ray Allen and Joe Johnson. Earlier this month, Nike announced that it had signed Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook to the Jordan Brand. As the report notes, this is turning out to be quite the year for the king of posterizing dunks and the prince of missed free throws, Griffin. The 23-year-old joined other 2009 first-round picks in signing a contract extension with his respective team, a potential $95 million over five years. Dime Magazine has more on the developing story, including a shot of some sweet sneakers Griffin wore in Wednesday nights opener against the Memphis Grizzlies. The big man wore a pair of hot blue Jordan Super.Fly PEs, and even managed to get in a scuffle with the Grizzlies' Zach Randolph while wearing them. Judging by this moment when the two went to the ground, you could call them wrestling shoes. The start of his tenure with Jordan didn't get off to the best start. While the Clippers took down the Grizzlies at home, 101-92, Griffin only chipped in 11 points and nine rebounds. You can bet those numbers will be higher on most nights. The Nike Jordan brand now has one of the most electric personalities and talents in the game. If you think Jumpman, you think high-flying greatness. Griffin most certainly fits the bill.

Lance Armstrong's roles as the chairman of Livestrong, which is a cancer foundation, and the icon of Nike came to an end. The famous bike racing athlete declared that he quit his position as the chairman of Livestrong on Wednesday, October 17. Nike also clarified that it wouldn't give any sponsorship to the famous athlete anymore. Armstrong stated on Livestrong's official site, "This organization, its mission and its supporters are incredibly dear to my heart... I have had the great honor of serving as this foundation's chairman for the last five years and its mission and success are my top priorities." He continued, "Today therefore, to spare the foundation any negative effects as a result of controversy surrounding my cycling career, I will conclude my chairmanship." He will be replaced by Vice Chairman Jeff Garvey. About Garvey, Amstrong commented, "Jeff's guidance and wisdom have been critical to shaping the foundation's work since its earliest days. Jeff was this organization's founding chairman and I have full confidence that under his leadership, the foundation will continue expanding its ability to serve cancer survivors." Meanwhile, Nike stated on its official website, "Due to the seemingly insurmountable evidence that Lance Armstrong participated in doping and misled Nike for more than a decade, it is with great sadness that we have terminated our contract with him." It said further, "Nike does not condone the use of illegal performance enhancing drugs in any manner." On Tuesday, October 16, the sports equipment company called Armstrong's longtime representative Bill Stapleton, telling him that they dropped their agreement with the 41-year-old biker which was worth millions of dollars. It didn't give any room for negotiation. "We were Nike family," Stapleton said. Armstrong has experienced several breakdowns with sponsors lately as the effect of his Tour de France winning teams doping scandal, which was alleged by the United States Anti-Doping Agency. Anheuser-Bush stated that it wouldn't continue its sponsorship with the famous Texas-born biker. According to a source, RadioShack also cut its contract of personal services with the athlete. Among others, which dropped their sponsorship of him, were Giro, Trek, Honey Stinger, and FRS. 24 Hour Fitness also stated, "Given the evidence surrounding Lance Armstrong's alleged actions, we have determined that our business relationship with Armstrong no longer aligns with our company's mission and values." A sunglasses production, Oakley, would review its collaboration with the star who played a cameo in "You, Me and Dupree". In June, Armstrong was officially charged by the United States Anti-Doping Agency with doping and trafficking of drugs, according to 2009 and 2010 blood samples. Some cyclists also testified against the biker but he denied it. He then decided not to challenge the organization's charges. According to WADA Code, his failure to dispute the charges made him lose all awards, prizes, as well as his Tour titles given to him after August 1, 1998. He is also not allowed to participate in any sports that use the World Anti-Doping Code.