Originally published at: https://discgolf.ultiworld.com/2024/12/05/ken-climo-to-ink-deal-with-discraft-after-shock-innova-departure/
One of the greatest players of all time, long a fixture as an Innova-sponsored pro, is headed to the disc manufacturer’s long-standing rival to promote their discs instead. And it’s not Paul McBeth.
Ken “The Champ” Climo, the 12-time PDGA World Champion and 5-time USDGC champion, stunned the disc golf world when Innova announced that he was leaving their team for “an opportunity that he couldn’t pass up.” Climo was sponsored by Innova for over 26 years, with a plastic (KC Pro) named after him alongside multiple signature discs, both past and present.
Now, the 56-year-old Hall of Famer is set to begin a new chapter in a multi-year deal with Discraft valued at more than $200,000 a year, according to multiple industry sources. Discraft is expected to release a Climo lineup of discs as a part of the new marketing agreement. Climo neither confirmed nor denied the news and Discraft declined to comment.
The Champ, who has been hampered by a hip injury, is not expected to resume touring as a professional player but will be more visible in pro disc golf than in recent years. He recently created an X account and says he is “in the process of getting all [of his] impersonators kicked off” of X.
Climo arguably put together the greatest disc golf career of all time. He has the most Major wins (18), the most top 10 finishes at a Major (45), and even won 14 National Tour events despite the NT Series not starting until 2003, after he had already won 11 World Championships and three USDGC titles. His entire playing career he threw Innova plastic.
“Together, we’ve had an incredible 26+ year journey of unforgettable moments that influenced our company and sport,” Innova said in a statement. “With the support of Innova, the Champ dominated the game at a level we will likely never see again. Ken received an opportunity that he couldn’t pass up, and although we are sad to see him go, we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Ken Climo’s legacy at Innova will never be diminished – he will always remain a vital part of our story.”
Further details about Climo’s new disc deal are expected after January 1st.