How Did Prodigy Get out of Their Contracts?

[@truce11]

So glad this channel exists for this niche issue. You're the best

[@TKDiscGolf]

Talk about Lat64 patenting Halo multi plastic for “grip reasons” next even tho Innova and others are using the same machines to get these effects.

[@jannejaakkola5836]

Pure speculation ofc, but I think Prodigy was happy getting both contracts of their books due to the downturn of their business since covid years. In KJ's case a breach of a performance clause sounds like a very possible scenario, where he was to stay in top 20 overall ranking or have 5 top 10 finishes in DGPT every year to keep the contract running. With Väinö I think it must've been something a bit more polite considering his very close relationship with the Prodigy Europe people (Paju family). He probably wanted a change and that worked well for Prodigy as well for financial reasons so they just mutually terminated the contract.

[@demishade]

Given Vaino's close relationship with Prodigy and it's owners, I'm pretty sure that his video and statement that he wanted a change would be something he would do for them even if the real reason would have been the Prodigy could no longer pay him. They've given him a good home for almost ten years, so he'd definitely do them a solid and state that leaving was his own wish, rather than throw Prodigy under the bus for whatever the actual issue was.

[@polaromonas]

I speculated back in 2023 that if Prodigy were to be acquired, the only company that probably has the money and reason to do so would be Infinite. They will have their own manufacturing capacity, access to old Prodigy molds, and distribution channels in Europe. But with the shrinking market, I don't know if this makes sense anymore.

[@meverkko]

From what I've heard these 2 cases were pretty different. In KJ's case Prodigy seems to be the one starting the whole process. In Väinö's case he was the one who started the conversation. He has explained this very much in a video in his own channel. In Finnish. So he basically felt like he needed something new. A new beginning. So he negotiated with Prodigy Europe and Innova. He did not tell very much if there vere more manufacturers he spoke with.

[@meverkko]

and timing vice it might have been a coinsidence. Väinö simply had to make his move when he is back in Finland. That would be the only possible way for him to switch averything he has on tour.

[@Dotcomrie]

Will you be discussing the controversy surrounding the 2024 Masters at Bud Hill being canceled? I am itching to hear your take on this news.

[@Yamaha_Alpaca]

No offense to Kevin but he was making $300k a year and has barely made the lead card at all the past few years. I’ve also never personally met anyone that throws his signature discs.

[@InbredJed82060]

Where do you see he was making 300k

[@Sanfordtime]

Facts and he doesn’t do skins anymore don’t post much on his social media never really promoted any of his signature discs. I think that’s a huge issue with alot of disc golf players. They get signature discs and barely promote them they do one video made by the company and that’s it. If they were smart they would be pumping videos out on social media hyping it up doing giveaways etc.

[@dl107227]

@@InbredJed82060 I believe Uli said in a podcast that KJs contract was for $25,000 a month.

[@Munchylego]

@@InbredJed82060 I’m pretty sure some of terms of his contract were more public when he signed it…at least I remember people talking about it. In fact, I actually thought he was making more like $350k.

[@InbredJed82060]

@@Sanfordtime name one pro that doesn't promote their signature discs

[@Sanfordtime]

I mean prodigy paid a lot to these players. Kevin especially just started underperforming stopped being on skins as much seems like he lost his drive after the pay day. I think even with his switch to Innova dudes not going to perform and be dropped once that contract is up. I think he really wants to be a dj and just likes disc golf.

[@shelbymorgan9484]

Not in Decline Damndemic had Ppl that had no real desire to pursue Disc Golf Beyond NOTHING ELSE TO DO ...now it's back to it's steady growth rate versus 2022 ...now you know

[@gregutz4284]

Ugh.. the "Covid golfers" .. the kind of folks that often refuse the $1 Ace Fund at league nights...

[@saab93aero41]

What’s the source of the sales and operating profit for last 3 years?

[@mikebeireis3990]

It all got worked out behind closed doors w innova whos happy to buy low and sell high n kj will be back if he wants to but he got distracted w life stuff which happens sometimes. Last i heard he got engaged..

[@connorsell3731]

I’ve been playing disc golf since 2016 and my girlfriend got a full ride to law school in 2023. These videos bring us together 😂

[@jmdittrich]

if performance or stability clauses are rare for players...This points to the issue of Prodigy not being able to perform or be stable in their commitment to players. With what happened to Gannon, I think this move reflects on Prodigy more than it does on Kevin and Vaino... Personally, I think Prodigy should not join house of discs but take less money and be bought out by Innova.. which is still a "Family run" business...

[@Sanfordtime]

@@jmdittrich what happened to Gannon he tried to illegally get out of his contract and prodigy wouldn’t let him? In the nfl if a player holds out they are fined every day. It was completely in prodigy’s right to hold him accountable. It’s wild to me how disc golf players want disc golf to be seen as a real sport, but when real sports moves happen it’s bad.

[@jmdittrich]

@@Sanfordtime No he first tried to argue that they were in breach of contract, then he tried to leave and instead of a legal battle he just stayed course. What he did was not deemed illegal, he just choose not to fight for what he thought was legal and just finished the year. All charges were dropped, nothing illegal actually happened.

[@Kakku-kn3fp]

No offense to Väinö but he is not going forward on his career, maybe top 20 player now only in Finland.

[@bradlasseigne8436]

Wouldnt let gannon go but made these 2 leave 🤦‍♂️

[@p0p_t4rt92]

Well, Gannon was playing way better than the other two

[@trev3971]

Same as any other sports contract.

[@michaelmaniloff9297]

I think it's most likely that Innova bought out the contracts, and Prodigy is still paying some percentage.

[@coreydempsey4660]

It's about time for another Natalie Ryan video isn't it? Since he just took down second place and in my opinion sandbagged the final round.

[@shelbymorgan9484]

No Need... Trump will be Elected Next Year and The Men Pretending to Be Women in All Sports ....No Mas ...To Bad So Sad.....go back to MPO or Go Home.... Next he'll identify as a 15 year old and want to play FJ15 just to get a W lol

[@DDrreewwiidd]

Unfortunately he's not going anywhere so ignoring him seems like the best option to just keep his name unspoken

[@coreydempsey4660]

@@DDrreewwiidd no, that isn't gonna work..

[@beenschmokin]

You gonna tell everyone your work info? Your deals with your job? Your contracts with clients? How much you make? Ain't nobody's business why they left.