The Inevitable 2021 Pros Switching Sponsors Thread

[jmdaire27]

Noah Meintsma to DGA from Innova...

Whoa... I guess Noah wasn't making Innova enough dough

Kids really good. Will be fun to see him get better!

 

[autocrosscrx]

DGA Source - https://twitter.com/disc_golf/status/1346549255276785667

Interesting to see DGA pick up Noah + Trevor Harbolt this year, after a few years of inactivity. I thought DGA were dying out as a brand, but I guess they're still kicking. But will this really translate into disc sales for them?

With Noah gone from Innova, does that mean Bradley Williams is the last remaining high-level Nova thrower?

I've always enjoyed watching Noah on video coverage, because of those gorgeous Nova throws. He had a ridiculously pretty shot at the Master's Cup hybrid course a couple of years ago too, I think with a Leopard.

I'm not sure those brands don't benefit from player results more than the Innovas of the world.

There is a single mold that I've purchased because I watched a pro throw it. Prodiscus Jokeri and Kevin Jones.

 

[Cgkdisc]

The DGA sponsorship moves may be somewhat coordinated with Discraft since Discraft makes most of the discs for DGA and DGA makes most/all? baskets for Discraft. So, they have joint interests in pros promoting either one.

 

[WorldsBestDad]

Whoa... I guess Noah wasn't making Innova enough dough

Kids really good. Will be fun to see him get better!

I think he has a really high ceiling that we haven't seen yet. This is a move I wasn't expecting, especially to DGA. I haven't had to update my spreadsheet much this offseason.

 

[jdm0514]

With Noah gone from Innova, does that mean Bradley Williams is the last remaining high-level Nova thrower.

I'm pretty sure Anthony Barella throws a nova as well.

 

[Norvelljeff]

The DGA sponsorship moves may be somewhat coordinated with Discraft since Discraft makes most of the discs for DGA and DGA makes most/all? baskets for Discraft. So, they have joint interests in pros promoting either one.

I believe they are set up as completely different entities. DGA barely sponsors anyone, before this year they had a roster of fewer than 10 players and suddenly they have expanded by 20 percent.

Weird pick up for them but I'm sure they are using some of that Covid money to grow their roster

 

[Brodysseus]

This is a continuation of what DGA did last year.

Hired Tyler Brickley, upped their media game, retooled their online shop.

Not sure if it was a change in leadership or what, but they're pushing lately. Good on 'em.

 

[VictorB]

FYI - Nikko extends with Westside
https://discgolf.ultiworld.com/livewire/nikko-locastro-extends-westside-contract-two-years/

Feels like this is the first time in forever that Nikko will have the same sponsor for 2 full seasons in a row (a non-Gateway sponsor, at least)

 

[DiscFifty]

Nikko playing well is a good thing for disc golf. Easily one of the most entertaining players to watch.

 

[alanmonty10]

I am expecting a big 2021 for Nikko

 

[Nick Pacific]

I am expecting a big 2021 for Nikko

He's got experience, still young enough to throw hard, been pretty healthy so far, figured out his putt, and most importantly he's got that burning desire/passion to win.

I would not be surprised to see him win a major in the next couple years. I think it's going to happen.

 

[TheOtherBill]

I wouldn't put Barsby ahead of Nikko talent-wise, they both can easily string a couple weeks of great golf together, so if Barsby can win Worlds so can Nikko.

 

[jfb3]

Nate Perkins just announced via Instagram that he re-signed with Discmania.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ7e9WwJ6Xz/

 

[DiscFifty]

Nate Perkins just announced via Instagram that he re-signed with Discmania.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ7e9WwJ6Xz/

Not seeing the reason for DM retaining him. He's the odd man out in the camp of crush boys. (No wins in the last 3 seasons doesn't help.)

 

[wolfhaley]

Not seeing the reason for DM retaining him. He's the odd man out in the camp of crush boys. (No wins in the last 3 seasons doesn't help.)

I doubt they're breaking the bank to retain him. Night Strikes seem to sell well enough and he does a lot for the game outside of getting beat by the usual suspects. Like Simon also does on the regular. :|

 

[autocrosscrx]

Not seeing the reason for DM retaining him. He's the odd man out in the camp of crush boys. (No wins in the last 3 seasons doesn't help.)

They sponsor a ton of people. He has his name attached to a really popular disc. He is impossible to dislike. And he is really good about clinics, interviews, working as an announcer, and so forth. If there is value in sponsoring players, then having him go somewhere else would be a loss.

 

[DiscFifty]

They sponsor a ton of people. He has his name attached to a really popular disc. He is impossible to dislike. And he is really good about clinics, interviews, working as an announcer, and so forth. If there is value in sponsoring players, then having him go somewhere else would be a loss.

He has 20k instagram followers. :clap: I never would have guessed that. Social media is huge for sponsors, so I get it.

 

[autocrosscrx]

He has 20k instagram followers. :clap: I never would have guessed that. Social media is huge for sponsors, so I get it.

He did some kind of local clinic or played a local tournament or league and sold some discs or something last year. A lot of pros do that, but might only throw up a post on IG and let the local shops and TD types do the rest. Nate was joining local groups, interacting with people before the event, letting them know what to expect, following up with people, and so forth.

If I had a company, I'd pick him over a lot of dudes that are rated 15 or 20 points higher.

 

[Audible Vibration]

Not seeing the reason for DM retaining him. He's the odd man out in the camp of crush boys. (No wins in the last 3 seasons doesn't help.)

I think Discmania's been pretty clear about wins not being that important. But they also proved you don't need a team full of champions to move product.

 

[Nick Pacific]

I think Discmania's been pretty clear about wins not being that important. But they also proved you don't need a team full of champions to move product.

Their discs are awesome, at the end of the day you're actual product matters. Gimmicks and hype only go so far, if you're selling a quality product at a fair market price you're going to do well in almost any market. Usi gets it.