Naomi Osaka leaves IMG and launches her own sports agency
WTA
Naomi Osaka will leave the International Management Group (IMG) to form her own sports agency, Evolve.
The Japanese tennis player has decided to leave the IMG and co-found a new agency called Evolve with her agent Stuart Duguid, who she has worked with for seven years already, with Duguid striking deals with companies such as Nike, Mastercard, and Louis Vuitton for the former World No. 1 player.
Osaka shared the news via her Twitter account, and she also posted a montage of recordings from her previous playing days in which she explained her professional goals with a statement attached.
"Hey kid, you've come a long way and even though there's been some bumps on the road I hope you know you're doing amazing."
Osaka also provided a statement to Variety, explaining her reasoning behind leaving an established sports management group, which was founded already in 1960, to form her own.
"Evolve represents the evolution of not just my business career, but also the way athletes can control their destiny. I’ve always thrived on pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo. Stuart and I have been business partners for years now so it’s a very natural and inspiring move to make."
Duguid also provided a statement, explaining that the agency was formed for the next generation of players, who want to follow in Osaka's footsteps.
"Athletes have completely changed the dynamics of what’s possible in the corporate world. They are no longer just ambassadors for hire, but true partners, vocal advocates and culture shifters."
"This agency is about supporting the next generation of athletes who want to continue building on the foundation laid by athletes like Naomi, but who are also doing things their own way."
On the courts, Osaka was set to play at the 2022 Italian Open before she opted to skip the tournament to prepare for the French Open.
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