via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 18, 2021 Japan’s Naomi Osaka with Serena Williams of the U.S. after winning their semi final match REUTERS/Kelly Defina
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 18, 2021 Japan’s Naomi Osaka with Serena Williams of the U.S. after winning their semi final match REUTERS/Kelly Defina
Serena Williams’ family played a pivotal role in Naomi Osaka’s investment in 2X NWSL Champions North Carolina Courage. Originally hailing from Japan, Naomi Osaka is one of the most successful tennis players in the world today. Naomi Osaka, only 25 years old, is a four-time grand slam champion. And she has made significant strides in the tennis world.
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But her success on the court is not the only thing that makes her unique. Osaka is also one of the few athletes who has managed to crossover into the mainstream and become a truly global superstar. In addition to her on-court success, she has also signed numerous endorsement deals with major brands, including Nike, Nissan, and Mastercard.
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Women’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 20, 2021 Japan’s Naomi Osaka gives an interview as she celebrates with the trophy after winning her final match against Jennifer Brady of the U.S. REUTERS/Loren Elliott
Now, it seems that her business acumen extends beyond endorsements and into investments as well. In 2021, she became an investor in the National Women’s Soccer League team North Carolina Courage.
How Serena Williams inspired Naomi Osaka’s investment
The idea to invest in the team came when Osaka saw a tweet from Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian about their family becoming part of Angel City FC. This LA-based women’s soccer team is another name in the NWSL. The team’s investors include some big names. Like Natalie Portman, Julie Foudy, Mia Hamm, Abby Wambach, and Serena Williams.
The women who have invested in me growing up made me who I am today, I don’t know where I would be without them. Throughout my career I’ve always received so much love from my fellow female athletes so that’s why I am proud to share that I am now a owner of @TheNCCourage ⚽️❤️ pic.twitter.com/Iz0YcVvOqz
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) January 28, 2021
Osaka knew she wanted to be part of it too and immediately began looking for a team to invest in. In her own words, she said: “I’m very entrepreneurial and ambitious in business. I’m also passionate about growing awareness for women’s sport and inspiring the next generation of young girls.
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She then added: “So, being an owner in NWSL team seemed like a great way to merge those two interests. After I saw some high-profile females getting involved in the L.A. franchise I started looking to see if there were any teams where I could add value and make a strategic investment.”
Osaka then found the perfect team in the NC Courage, two-time NWSL champions. She is now one of the team’s investors and is looking forward to helping the team continue its success.
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Williams’ involvement in Angel City FC has inspired Osaka to not only invest in a women’s soccer team but to also use her platform to support and promote the sport. Women’s soccer is on the rise and Osaka wants to help it continue to grow.
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