The disc golf offseason continues to take shape, and while it wasn’t Discraft making the biggest early move, there was still plenty to unpack. Team announcements rolled in, PDGA Player Awards were handed out, interviews pulled back the offseason curtain, and international play officially kicked off.
What’s good, discerates — Swiss Cheese here, still full of holes, always with The Disc Golf World. The uncle-and-nephew duo may not be camping in Cracker Barrel parking lots as often these days, but the coverage hasn’t slowed down.
Welcome back to This Week in Disc Golf, where we break down everything that mattered in the disc golf world over the past week — even when that means following up on what was confirmed since the last episode.
Major Team Announcements: DGA Locks in a Strong 2026 Roster
With only a few team lineups left to be announced, DGA officially revealed its full roster for 2026 — and for the first time this year, it came with a roster increase.
DGA retained Sully Tipton and Cole Redalen while adding young talent Jaden Rye. The brand also locked in Andrew Marwede for another year, forming a core of three top-15 DGPT point earners from 2025.
Additional one-year extensions were announced for Catrina Allen, Eliezra Midtlyng, Andrew Miranda, and Jake Monn. Catrina showed strong form late in the season following a shortened year, while Ellie, and Monn each look to climb the rankings in 2026 after injury-affected seasons.
Cole Redalen battled through a hip issue that nearly ended his year before closing the season strong, adding another Elite Series win at MVP Open. Andrew Miranda also earned a promotion to the tour team, with expectations that an expanded schedule could push him toward a Tour Championship appearance.
The lone departure for DGA is Evan Scott who will be representing Discraft in 2026.
Player Signings Around the Sport
- Robert Burridge confirmed he will throw Dynamic Discs
- MVP retained Raven Newsom and signed PDGA Rookie of the Year Landon Brooks
- Matt Bell re-signed with Thought Space Athletics
- Dallas Garber added a glow driver from Lightseed Disc Golf
Prodigy secured a two-year extension with team captain Luke Humphries and added Brandon Brown to the roster. Jake Hebenheimer remains listed on the team page and continues to throw Prodigy, suggesting an announcement could be coming soon.
Prodigy’s Ongoing FPO Challenges
Prodigy continues to face difficulties in the FPO division following several offseason departures. Recent exits add to earlier losses on the European side, leaving the brand without current FPO representation.
Statements from Chantel Budinsky highlighted concerns over contract sustainability, workload expectations, and financial realities of touring. The lack of FPO presence makes it difficult to place Prodigy alongside other major competitors in the current landscape.
Speculation remains around potential signings, though no confirmations have been made.
Discraft Watch & Free Agent Speculation
The disc golf community continues to wait on Discraft’s official team announcement. Most speculation suggests extensions will fill much of the roster, though attention remains on one remaining opening.
Tour Life teased appearances from Ezra Aderhold and Aaron Gossage on an upcoming podcast, potentially signaling sponsor announcements and a full team reveal. Reports also suggest a future signing of Daniel Davidson and Nestori Tuhkanen to the Tour team.
Industry Insight: Contracts, Sustainability & the State of Disc Golf
The All Birdies No Bogeys podcast featuring House of Discs GM Seth Finley provided insight into the current financial state of disc golf. Discussion included the decline of million-dollar contracts, sustainability for top players, and the challenges faced by touring pros outside the top tier.
Rising costs, increased tour fees, shrinking rosters, and growing marketing demands continue to place pressure on players, leaving many reliant on open bag deals or supplemental income to stay on tour.
2026 Worlds Update: Big Numbers Early
Disc has officially signed on as a major partner for the 2026 PDGA World Championships in Milford, Michigan, joining First Form and Vessie.
VIP ticket sales reached $125,000 in just five days, already accounting for 50% of available VIP tickets. Organizers anticipate the highest Worlds payout ever, with more ticket releases planned later this year.
PDGA Player of the Year Awards Announced
Gannon Buhr earned MPO Player of the Year honors, while Silva Saarinen claimed the FPO award.
Landon Brooks secured Rookie of the Year on the MPO side, with Liisa Lehtonen edging out Rebecca Cox for the FPO Rookie of the Year award.
Tour Down Under Begins in New Zealand
The Tour Down Under is officially underway at the 2026 Tāne Mahuta Disc Golf Open. Levi Stout leads the MPO field after day one with a four-stroke advantage, while Taylor Chocek leads the FPO division by two.
For post-produced coverage and some of the most scenic views on tour, coverage is available through Gatekeeper Media.
Quick Hitters from Around the Disc Golf World
- Anthony Barela and Kat Mertsch celebrated birthdays
- Ezra Robinson enjoyed his bachelor party
- Sophia Donica landed a bike sponsorship
- Emily Weatherman revealed a new tattoo
- Gregg Barsby continued playing skins matches
- Several pros shared offseason personal updates
Final Thoughts
That wraps up another week in disc golf. Huge thanks to the Patreon supporters and everyone who continues to watch, read, comment, and share.
For full weekly coverage, interviews, and offseason updates, subscribe to the The Disc Golf World YouTube channel.
