LeBron James inspires Naomi Osaka’s investments into women’s sports as the WTA icon treads on uncharted territory to leave behind a legacy for daughter Shai

The former World No. 1 talked about her thinking in making a stand to promote women sports.

LeBron James inspires Naomi Osaka’s investments into women’s sports as the WTA icon treads on uncharted territory to leave behind a legacy for daughter Shai

Naomi Osaka with LeBron James (via Vanity Fair)

Four-time Grand Slam title winner Naomi Osaka is one of the biggest marketable athletes in the world. The former World No. 1 hails from Japan but grew up in the USA since she was three years old.

This mixed culture upbringing of hers, combined with her early success on the Tour, quickly saw her rise to fame. She has won the Australian Open and the US Open twice and was one of the big names until her break from the sport due to her mental health issues.

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Despite being away from the court, she has continued to be involved in sports in one form or the other. Learning from her peers, such as Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Maria Sharapova. to name a few, Osaka worked her way to grow her portfolio in the business world.

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As she makes her return to the court after the maternity break that saw her miss the 2023 season, the current World No. 747 spoke to Bloomberg about her off-court ventures, including her joint venture with NBA icon LeBron James. 

I go toward what I believe in. Investing in women’s sports has always been a really big thing for me. Starting a production company — my dad’s always had cameras around, so story-telling was kind of natural.
Said Osaka. 
And knowing that no other female athlete has started a production company was shocking news. I just try to do things that people haven’t done before and learn along the way, even if I stumble — that’s always been my mantra.
Added the four-time Major winner.

The company started by Osaka has been named Hana Kuma, which has signed up with James’ The SpringHill Company. They plan to create TV Series, anime, documentary, and branded content.

Naomi Osaka also commented on becoming the owner of the NWSL team North Carolina Courage

The Japanese was also questioned about her growing investment in women’s sports. She is currently a part-owner of the female soccer team North Carolina Courage, which plays in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka in the NCC jersey (Credits: Sportstar)

She invested in the club back in 2021. Ons Jabeur has also become another owner in the club recently. The two are part of the long list of owners of the club that was founded back in 2017. 

Watching how big female sports have become over the years, investing in the North Carolina Courage wasn’t that difficult a decision. I also just love watching soccer. Pickleball was the unknown for me.
Commented the former World No. 1. 
It’s been around, but it feels like it just blew up. Learning about it and seeing Lebron [James] invest in it is something that leaned me more toward thinking it was a good idea.
Concluded the Japanese superstar.

With her off-court investments blooming, she will hope that her on-court success also takes off. After a dismal start to her 2024 season, she would have gained confidence with her latest win.

Up against France’s Caroline Garcia in the first round of the 2024 Qatar Open, the first WTA-1000 event of the season, the Japanese won the tie 7-5, 6-4. The win takes her into the second round where she will take on Petra Martic. The Croatian won her first-round clash in three sets against Arantxa Rus.

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