Tennis star Naomi Osaka has left Evolve, the sports agency she co-founded three years ago.
Key details:
Osaka set up Evolve with Stuart Guguid in 2022 after leaving IMG
Grand Slam winner confirmed departure on Instagram
Evolve’s client list includes Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios
Context:
Osaka created Evolve in order to secure more flexibility with her partnerships. Other notable athletes to chart their own commercial course include basketball’s LeBron James and Kevin Durant, golf’s Rory McIlroy and Jack Nicklaus, as well as tennis’ Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Osaka, however, was the first female athlete with a similar profile to take full control of her business ventures and try to build an agency, securing several clients along the way.
Her next move is unclear. However, the former world number one, who returned to the WTA Tour in early 2024 after giving birth to a daughter, has significant marketing potential and returned to form in 2025 when she reached the US Open Grand Slam semi-finals and finished the year ranked 16th.
Comment:
“Hi everyone, writing this to say starting in the new year I’ll be parting ways with Evolve,” Osaka said.
“It’s been a great run and I’m so grateful for all the memories shared.
“When I make my decision on where I’ll go next, you’ll hear it from me. Thank you for supporting me always and I’m so excited for the year ahead!”
AloJapan.com