Naomi Osaka is departing from her IMG agency to create her own called, Evolve.
On Wednesday, the four-time Grand Slam champion told the Sportico that the agency was the “next step” in her journey as an athlete and businesswoman.
“I’ve spent my career doing things my way. Even when people told me that it wasn’t what was expected or traditional,” Osaka said. “Evolve is the natural next step in my journey as both an athlete and businesswoman. As well as a way to continue being myself and doing things my way.”
EXCLUSIVE: @naomiosaka has left IMG to launch her own sports agency, Evolve, which will be stylized as EVOLVE. pic.twitter.com/HxJlbblqII
— Sportico (@Sportico) May 11, 2022
Osaka’s contract with IMG expired at the end of 2021, and she opted out of renewal to create Evolve with her agent, Stuart Duguid. Both will have equity stakes in the new firm, and there are currently no outside investors.
Osaka tells Sportico, “I strongly believe in the power athletes have to use our platforms to drive meaningful business.” She also added that she wants Evolve to “be at the forefront of breaking down the barriers that still exist in sports and broader culture.”
This week, Osaka withdrew from the Italian Open to reset an Achilles injury ahead of the French Open. She is currently ranked 38th in the world.
Osaka, the highest-paid female athlete in the world, gained fame after defeating Serena Williams in the U.S. Open final in 2018. Years later, Osaka won the U.S. Open in 2020 and won a second Australian Open victory in 2021.
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