Väinö Mäkelä, Finland’s top disc golfer and national champion, has signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with Innova Champion Discs, the world’s largest disc golf manufacturer. The agreement extends through the end of 2027.
Mäkelä, who began his disc golf career with an Innova starter set gifted by his father, expressed excitement about joining the renowned company. “In a way, I’m coming back home. My career started with Innova discs, and now I get to represent the best and biggest disc manufacturer in the world,” Mäkelä said.
Innova Champion Discs, founded in 1983 in California, is known globally for its high-quality discs. Mäkelä, one of Finland’s most successful disc golfers, previously represented Prodigy Discs for nine and a half years.
Mäkelä has made his debut with Innova at the Swedish Open from June 28-30, 2024, using their discs. He has joined Innova’s Champion team and is eager to start fresh, stating, “With Innova’s wings, we will build the future together, and I get to throw amazing discs.”
According to disc golf expert Toni Syrjänen, Mäkelä has secured an excellent deal. “Based on Väinö’s comments, I estimate his annual earnings to be around 125,000-140,000 euros,” Syrjänen speculated. This contract is particularly significant given the mid-season timing and current economic challenges.
Mäkelä is one of the highest-earning Finnish disc golfers, with previous earnings estimated at least 125,000 euros annually. Syrjänen highlighted the strategic importance of this deal for Innova, which aims to regain popularity among youth and expand its market in Europe.
Mäkelä, thrilled about the new sponsorship, emphasized the relief and excitement of playing with Innova discs. “I’m excited to choose the best discs like a kid in a candy store. It feels great to play free and authentic disc golf again,” he shared.