Japanese Tennis Star Naomi Osaka’s Sponsors
Naomi Osaka’s aggressive baseline game has captured the hearts of fans around the world. Sponsors have taken notice too, signing up Osaka for lucrative deals. In 2020, Osaka became the highest-earning female athlete in the world.
Naomi Osaka became the first Japanese person to win a grand slam when she defeated Serena Williams at the US Open in 2018. After winning the Australian Open in 2019, she became the first player from Japan to be ranked No. 1 in the world – male or female.
Osaka was born in Japan but trained mostly in the US. With the 2020 summer Olympics in Tokyo, brands have rushed to sign up Osaka, just as they did with her fellow Japanese tennis player Kei Nishikori.
Naomi Osaka’s Sponsors List
Nike
Osaka currently has a deal with Nike that pays her $8.5 million a year. Osaka won her first two grand slams wearing Adidas. When her deal with Adidas came up for renewal, Nike reportedly beat out Adidas and Uniqlo to sign up the Japanese star.
In a rare move, Nike allowed Osaka to have other partner patches on Nike apparel. This will increase the visibility of her other sponsors.
Nissin
Japanese noodle company Nissin signed up Osaka in 2016 and is one of her main sponsors. In 2019, the company got in hot water for white-washing Osaka in their ads and showing her with pale skin. The company promptly apologized and promised to work with Osaka about how she is portrayed in its advertisements.
Nissan
Japanese carmaker Nissan named Osaka as its global brand ambassador in 2018. She is expected to appear in global ads for the automaker. Another perk for being a Nissan brand ambassador is that she will also be provided Nissan vehicles while on tour.
Citizen
Japanese watchmaker Citizen signed up Osaka in 2018 before her grand slam success. She was wearing a Citizen watch when she won her first grand slam title. Recently, Osaka has been wearing CITIZEN Eco-Drive*1 Bluetooth watches on the court.
Mastercard
Mastercard signed up Naomi Osaka when she was ranked number one in the world – the first time the company has signed up a reigning number 1 tennis player in the world. Signing up Osaka gives Mastercard an opportunity to reach new consumers in Asia.
Yonex
Osaka has been playing with the Yonex racquet since she was 10. Her mom Tamaki Osaka, sent a letter to the Yonex president in Japan asking for product support. Yonex looked at Osaka’s talent and immediately agreed.
Osaka currently uses the EZONE 98 racquet for power and precision. Yonex is known for its square-shaped-racquet head and is used by many top players including Frances Tiafoe, Nick Kyrgios, and Stan Wawrinka.
WOWOW
Osaka signed a long-term deal with Japanese Broadcaster WOWOW. Together with Kei Nishikori, Osaka will become the face of all tennis coverage WOWOW through interviews, personal appearances, and digital marketing.
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
Japan’s largest Airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA) signed a sponsorship agreement with Osaka in 2019. Osaka will be wearing the ANA logo on her tennis gear starting.
Shiseido
Tokyo-based personal care company Shiseido signed up Osaka in 2018. Osaka is the new face of Shiseido’s beauty brands, ANESSA, and bareMinerals.
BodyArmor
BodyArmor is a sports drink manufacturer that competes with Gatorade. The company was founded by Mike Repole, an American entrepreneur. Repole is the co-founder of Glaceau, which makes Vitaminwater. Glaceau was sold to Coca-Cola for $4.1 billion.
Hyperice
Hyperice specializes in recovery and performance-oriented products for athletes. The company makes vibration and percussion fitness devices to optimize wellness and performance.
Soto
In 2020, Osaka joined premium sake brand Soto as an investor and creative consultant. Soto is well-known for its natural premium products.
Strathberry
In 2020, Strathberry partnered with Naomi Osaka to introduce a new line of handbags. Strathberry is a luxury fashion accessories company based in Edinburg, Scotland. It was founded in 2011 by Guy Hundleby and Leeanne Hundleby.
Louis Vuitton
Osaka became a brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton in 2021. Louis Vuitton is a French fashion house and luxury goods, maker. The company’s products include shoes, watches, jewelry, accessories, and sunglasses.
TAG Heuer
Not surprisingly, just after signing up with Louis Vuitton, Naomi Osaka became an ambassador for Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer. TAG Heuer is owned by Louis Vuitton but operates as an independent brand.
Workday
Osaka is the first tennis player to endorse Workday. Workday is an American cloud-based enterprise software company. Osaka wears the Workday logo on the chest portion of her shirt.
Sweetgreen
In 2021, Naomi Osaka became an investor in Sweetgreen. She also became the company’s first brand ambassador. Sweetgreen is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its healthy food options.
Panasonic
In 2021, Osaka became an ambassador for the Japanese multinational company, Panasonic. The company makes a number of products and services including rechargeable batteries, automotive and avionic systems, industrial systems, home renovation, and construction.
FTX (Expired)
Osaka is an investor and ambassador for the crypto trading firm FTX. As part of the deal, Osaka will produce branded crypto content for women. She will be paid in cryptocurrency for this sponsorship deal.
Victoria’s Secret
In 2023, Naomi Osaka revealed her Victoria’s Secret collection. She joined the company as brand ambassador in 2021.