Yonex x Momota partnership stands as one of badminton’s most influential alliances, shaping both the sport’s technological evolution and its global marketing landscape. From custom rackets and signature shoes to historic world titles, this legendary collaboration elevated Yonex’s dominance and defined Kento Momota’s career for more than a decade.
Origins of the Yonex x Momota Partnership
The story began long before Kento Momota turned professional, rooted in Japan’s unique talent-scouting ecosystem.
Discovery and Junior Sponsorship (2011-2013)
At age 16, Momota caught Yonex’s attention during the 2011 All Japan Junior Championships. Scouts were mesmerized by his deceptive left-handed play and explosive smashes using a standard Voltric 80. In early 2012, weeks after winning the World Junior Championships with a Yonex racket, Momota signed his first head sponsorship contract-making him one of the youngest players ever to receive full equipment and financial backing from the brand. The deal covered rackets, strings (initially BG66 Ultimax), shoes (Power Cushion 65 series), and apparel, plus a modest monthly stipend that helped him focus entirely on training.
Transition to Full Professional Contract (2014-2016)
After contributing to Japan’s 2014 Thomas Cup victory, Yonex upgraded Momota to an elite-tier contract reportedly worth mid-six figures annually. This included performance bonuses: $10,000-$30,000 per Super Series title and larger sums for All England or World Championship wins. The 2016 gambling scandal temporarily froze bonuses, but Yonex stood by him publicly-a rare move that deepened mutual loyalty.
Technological Innovations Born from the Partnership
Momota was never just an endorser; he was an active co-developer who spent hours in Yonex labs.
The Astrox Series Revolution
| Model | Launch Year | Key Innovation Co-Developed with Momota | Signature Feature for Momota’s Game |
| Astrox 77 | 2017 | Rotational Generator System | Enhanced steep attack angle |
| Astrox 99 | 2018 | NAMD graphite shaft + Power-Assist Bumper | Explosive smash power |
| Astrox 100 ZZ | 2020 | Hyper Slim Shaft + ENERGY BOOST CAP PLUS | Quick swing + pinpoint control |
| Astrox 99 Pro (Momota Edition) | 2021 | Limited cherry-blossom paint + personalized balance point | Exact replica of Momota’s match racket |
Momota’s feedback directly influenced shaft stiffness, balance points (usually 300-305 mm for head-heavy feel), and grommet designs that maximized string tension tolerance up to 13 kg-perfect for his wristy deception and sudden power switches.
Footwear and Apparel Contributions
Momota helped refine the Power Cushion+ midsole technology and insisted on wider toe boxes for his explosive lunges. The Aerus Z series launched in 2022 still carries internal codes referencing “KM foot mapping.” His on-court kits-especially the signature navy-and-white 2019 World Championship outfit-became bestsellers in Japan and Southeast Asia.
Marketing Power: How Momota Sold Millions of Rackets
Yonex leveraged Momota’s dominance and personality like no brand had before.
Record-Breaking 2019 Campaign
During Momota’s historic 11-title season, Yonex launched the global “Unstoppable” campaign featuring slow-motion footage of his smashes synced to Japanese taiko drums. The campaign generated over 50 million YouTube views and contributed to a 28 % year-on-year sales increase in Asia-Pacific, according to Yonex’s 2020 financial report.
The Comeback Narrative (2020-2022)
After the near-fatal car accident in Malaysia, Yonex produced the emotional “Still Unbreakable” documentary series. The first episode alone garnered 12 million views. Sales of the Astrox 100 ZZ spiked 40 % in the first quarter after Momota returned to competition wearing the new model.
Contract Evolution and Financial Scope
While exact figures remain private, industry insiders estimate the partnership’s value:
| Period | Estimated Annual Value (USD) | Key Clauses & Bonuses |
| 2012-2015 (Junior/Pro entry) | $50,000 – $150,000 | Full equipment + stipend |
| 2017-2019 (Peak dominance) | $800,000 – $1.2 million | Title bonuses up to $300,000 per year |
| 2020-2024 (Post-accident + Olympics) | $600,000 – $900,000 | Reduced bonuses + long-term ambassador extension |
| 2025-present (Ambassador/Advisor) | $400,000 – $600,000 | Coaching collaboration + lifetime equipment |
Total value across 14 years is believed to exceed $9-11 million, making it one of the richest individual deals in badminton history.
Legacy of Yonex x Momota Partnership
The alliance set new standards for athlete involvement in product development and proved that badminton stars can move serious commercial volume-something previously thought impossible outside China or Indonesia. Young Japanese players now dream of “the Momota contract,” while Yonex continues to reference his data in every new Astrox release. As Momota himself said in a 2024 retirement press conference while holding his trusted Astrox 99 Pro: “Yonex didn’t just give me rackets-they gave me wings.” For a generation of players and fans, that partnership remains the gold standard of what happens when genius meets the perfect tool.
Discover how the Yonex x Momota partnership transformed racket technology, marketing, and the global rise of Japan’s greatest shuttler.
To understand how these rivalries influenced his commercial value and sponsorship impact, visit the Transfer & Market section for a financial look at Momota’s career.
