Relentlessly courted, Nelly Korda continues to accept Tesla sponsorships on her golf apparel with a $10 million deal per appearance — but this time, Elon Musk is forced to stay silent after her fierce response shocks fans
Nelly Korda, the current queen of women’s golf, has once again made headlines — not for her swing, but for her bold stance in a high-profile business deal. Known for her calm demeanor on the course, Korda showed a whole different side off it, delivering a fierce response that has left fans and media alike speechless.
After months of persistent negotiations and repeated invitations from Tesla’s marketing team, Korda agreed to continue wearing Tesla-branded apparel during official tournaments. The deal? A staggering $10 million for every single appearance where the logo is visible. It’s a record-breaking endorsement in the world of women’s golf, and arguably one of the highest per-event sponsorship deals across all of women’s sports.
However, while the numbers are jaw-dropping, it’s not the money that has the world talking. According to multiple sources close to the deal, Elon Musk attempted to insert himself personally into the promotion campaign — allegedly making public remarks about how “Korda is the perfect face for Tesla’s clean and powerful brand.” But what followed wasn’t part of Tesla’s PR plan.
In a closed-door meeting that has since been leaked to several outlets, Korda reportedly responded to Musk with a strong and unexpected retort: “I’m not your billboard, and I’m definitely not your puppet. If you want me to represent your brand, respect mine too.” The comment quickly made the rounds on social media, with fans expressing a mix of awe, shock, and admiration.
Despite the backlash Musk is facing from Korda’s fanbase, neither he nor Tesla has publicly addressed her remarks. Insiders say the billionaire CEO was advised to “remain silent” to avoid escalating a potential PR crisis — especially at a time when Tesla is already under scrutiny for other controversies.
This incident has reignited the conversation about how female athletes are treated in high-profile sponsorships. Many praised Korda for asserting her boundaries in an industry where powerful male figures often assume control. One fan on Twitter wrote, “It’s about time a top female athlete told Musk to back off. Nelly’s not just a golfer — she’s a businesswoman who knows her worth.”
Korda has yet to make a public statement regarding the clash, choosing instead to focus on her game as she prepares for the next leg of the LPGA Tour. However, sources say she has insisted that any future partnership with Tesla remain strictly professional — with no “personal narratives” or “image control” from Musk or anyone else at the company.
Whether this rift will affect future collaborations between Korda and Tesla remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Nelly Korda is not just winning tournaments — she’s changing the power dynamics of sports sponsorship, one million-dollar deal at a time.