Naomi Osaka leaves IMG to form her own sports agency

OSAKA: “I’ve spent my career doing things my way, even when people told me that it wasn’t what was expected or traditional,” the 24-year-old Osaka told Sportico in an email. “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.”

Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, told Sportico: “I strongly believe in the power athletes have to use our platforms to drive meaningful business.”

She is ranked 20th on Sportico’s 2022 list of the world’s highest-paid athletes with prize money and endorsements totaling $53.2 million and is the top earner among women on Sportico’s list. According to Sportico, Osaka has equity in approximately 12 brands. She also founded Kinlo, a skin care company, and has her own swimwear and sleepwear lines.

Duguid, who along with Osaka will have an equity stake in Evolve, told Sportico in a telephone interview that the agency will likely only consider adding a few clients. He and Osaka will invest in businesses together, he said.

“The core of Evolve is building Naomi’s business from $50 million a year to $150 million a year,” Duguid told the website.