Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Naomi Osaka Leaves IMG to Start Own Sports Agency

  • The new agency, EVOLVE, will be launched with agent Stuart Duguid.
  • In 2021, Osaka was the highest-paid female athlete in history, earning $60M.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The world’s highest-paid female athlete is venturing out on her own for representation.

On Wednesday, tennis star Naomi Osaka announced that she and agent Stuart Duguid have left IMG to launch their own sports agency, EVOLVE.

“I’ve spent my career doing things my way, even when people told me that it wasn’t what was expected or traditional. Evolve is the natural next step in my journey as both an athlete and businesswoman,” Osaka said.

The 24-year-old is the first female athlete at her level to attempt to take full control of her business affairs and launch an agency, per Sportico.

Osaka is the highest-paid female athlete in history, having brought in $55 million of her $60 million through endorsements last year. She ranks 12th overall on Forbes’ 2021 list of the world’s highest-paid athletes.

On the court, Osaka most recently withdrew from the Italian Open with an achilles injury but says she’s focused on getting healthy for the start of the French Open on May 15.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 31, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries players hold the trophy after winning the 2026 WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center

WNBA Finals Game 7 Draws 3.3M Viewers

The series averaged nearly 1.9 million viewers, the most for a Finals.
Nov 30, 2024; Toronto, ON, CANADA; Boston Fleet forward Hannah Bilka (19) collides with Toronto Sceptres defender Allie Munroe (12) in the second period at Coca-Cola Coliseum.

PWHL Insists Mark Walter Isn’t Selling League

The league maintains that it remains firmly under Walter’s ownership.

New York Liberty Fire Chris DeMarco After One Year

The Liberty were swept by the Dream in the semifinals.

Geno Auriemma Laments Explosion of Sports Gambling

Auriemma has won 12 national championships with the Huskies.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/3/26 – First CFP Rankings, Wilbon Steps Away, NFL Coaching Hot Seats

0:00

Featured Today

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Oct 10, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit:

Dylan Larkin’s Trade Demand Comes With a $41K Daily Price Tag

Larkin is playing an expensive waiting game, holding out for a trade.
October 28, 2026

Golf and Tennis See Big Gains in Youth Sports Participation

Youth participation in flag football also keeps growing.
October 30, 2026

Pro Marathoners Grapple With the Sport’s Pervasive Doping Problem

Pros and coaches tell FOS the ripple effects last for years.
Sponsored

How Jeremy Bloom Is Reinventing the X Games

Jeremy Bloom discusses transforming the X Games into a global brand.
October 28, 2026

Saquon Barkley Opposes 18-Game NFL Season: ‘Hell of a Sport’

The Eagles RB cited player health.
Exclusive
October 28, 2026

NFL Told Saquon Barkley to Divest Polymarket Stake

“I was in it before, but no bueno,” Barkley told FOS.
Sponsored

How the New York Yankees Stay Game-Ready with Sage Intacct

See how Sage Intacct helps the Yankees streamline finances and plan for the future.
October 25, 2026

Jackson Contract Standoff Looms Over Ravens As Team Treads Water

The two-time MVP missed his third straight game.