Naomi Osaka is the latest professional athlete to invest in the college sports name, image, and likeness space.
The star has signed five college athletes from multiple sports to promote her suncare brand KINLÒ, which was created specifically for melanin-rich skin.
They include:
- UCLA soccer’s Reilyn Turner
- Michigan track and field’s Ziyah Holman
- UNC basketball’s Deja Kelly
- Kentucky basketball’s Robert Dillingham
- Stanford beach volleyball’s Xolani Hodel
Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.
“As young, influential voices in the space, they are the perfect fit to help champion such an important initiative and as a brand, we couldn’t be prouder to empower and support NCAA athletes,” Osaka said in a statement.
In June, Osaka launched a media company, Hana Kuma, in partnership with LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s The SpringHill Company. It has already collaborated with the New York Times and Amazon-owned cable channel Epix.
Back to School
Osaka, who did not attend college herself, joins a select group of elite athletes who are giving back to their college counterparts.
Steph Curry invested in NIL with a partnership with UConn’s Azzi Fudd. Tom Brady inked partnerships with multiple players for his apparel brand. Candace Parker is heading up a mentorship group as part of Adidas’ NIL program.
