Disc golf fans are no stranger to complaints …
I’ve been generous with my contributions over the years.
You see, disc golfers are used to paying next to nothing for the sport they love. New discs aren’t steep, it’s free to play most courses and post-produced tournament coverage requires nothing but a reliable Wi-Fi connection. So, when one of the game’s governing bodies has the audacity to charge for a live-feed of Elite Series events, people lose their mother-freaking minds …
They cry about ads. They whine about product-placements. They moan about subscription fees. Seemingly anything and everything with dollar signs attached to it becomes a point of ridicule. With the DGPT at the forefront of disc golf entertainment, it’s the subject of much criticism.
I asked Jeff Spring about it:
Question: How does the DGPT allocate incoming funds?
Here’s what he had to say:
“I’ll give you some breaking news here …
“There are four different revenue streams for the DGPT. First, our partnerships: Sponsorships and ad sales are all part of that. Second, viewer subscriptions via our media partners. Third, DGPT-themed retail and merchandise. And fourth, in-person event ticketing.
“With ALL of that in mind …
“The DGPT has yet to break even.”
The reality of the DGPT and profitability
“We continue to work towards profitability. Things are progressing quickly. As disc golf grows, the demands placed upon the DGPT are many. Of course, we welcome them. We’ve set goals for ourselves. All of them are built around providing a better experience for fans and players.
“When we put on an event, we’re largely supporting it financially. This includes the purses and the players through our Tour Card program. Rightfully so, we are the FINAL priority. If there’s something left for us, great – we’re working towards that. But before the DGPT can take a cut, all minimum standards must be met. There’s lots to do; there are many people who do it.
“On the road, we take around 20 people to each event. They get there two or so weeks in advance to prepare and dress the course, set up amenities for Tour Card holders, establish communication channels and create media. I’m illustrating how this works – it’s expensive.
“So, yeah …
“This idea that the DGPT is ‘the man’ out to make money?
“It’s not correct.”
Player purses matter most
“The DGPT is part of the disc golf community. We want the responsibility of advancing the sport. The majority owner of the DGPT is Todd Rainwater. He’s onboard with this mentality, too. He’s told our administration that ANY profit the Pro Tour might see at the end of the year is to be immediately funneled back into the sport. Nothing goes out in equity; nothing’s pocketed.
“We pay our costs. We pay our vendors. We pay our payroll. And then, any leftover money goes into tournament purses. In 2021, we put over a half-million dollars in added cash into event purses. This year, at the end of 2022 season, we added close to a million dollars more …
“The players deserve it.
“Financially, player purses will ALWAYS be our top priority.”
Events drive the DGPT’s success
“Next, with the DGPT being driven by events, we have to take care of our tournament teams. We have to make sure we’re not relying solely on teams of volunteers putting in 80-hour weeks for three straight weeks. That’s not fair to anybody. Paid staff is needed. We do the best we can. When event teams are given priority, success becomes sustainable – this is everything.
“Bigger purses. More sponsorship money. Massive in-person attendance.
“Also, remember: we’re selling experiences. We want spectators leaving tournaments, thinking to themselves, ‘This was a blast. Next year, I’ll be back. And I’m bringing a buddy with me.’
“Events matter.
“So that’s basically it: We cover the DGPT’s costs. We cover the event’s costs. We make sure the tournament minimum is added for player payouts. And with anything else that’s left, we further strengthen the purse. Of course, we try to make up for our losses, but the game is the priority.”
Not so scandalous, eh?
Bill Gates is hardly batting an eyelash …
Disc golf is still young, as is the DGPT – it’s only been around since 2016.
All things considered, given the bootstrapped conditions it operates in, the DGPT isn’t only surviving – it’s thriving. Right now, bottom-lines are secondary to trajectory in importance …
Fortunately, disc golf’s is a positive one.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
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