Tennis star Naomi Osaka is the highest-paid female athlete in the world, retaining the top spot for the third straight year. She first made history as the world’s highest-paid female athlete in 2020 after earning a staggering $37.4 million.
Since toppling Serena Williams by $1.4 million to earn the top spot, she has continued to consolidate her earnings by diversifying her money in multiple business ventures and signing more endorsement deals.
In 2021, she maintained her position as the highest-paid female athlete. According to Forbes’ latest publication on the highest-paid female athletes in 2022, the 25-year-old made $1.1 million on the field and $50 million off the field. She achieved this feat despite getting injured for much of the year and also losing a significant sponsorship when FTX declared bankruptcy in November.
Nonetheless, her endorsement portfolio is still among the best in sports, according to Forbes. She has endorsements from brands like HR software (Workday), watches (Tag Heuer), denim (Levi’s), Louis Vuitton, Nike, and heavy equity components (Hyperice, BodyArmor). She also became an ambassador for the fast-casual restaurant chain Sweetgreen.
Osaka’s backstory played a significant role in her earnings since her skills are undeniably great. Also, her heritage made her very relatable to many individuals hence a hot commodity for Olympic sponsors who intended to reach a wide audience. Sponsors like Procter & Gamble, All Nippon Airways, and Nissin jumped on the Osaka wagon and signed endorsement deals with her to market their products for the games.
Aside from her endorsement deals, she is also a part-owner of a National Women’s Soccer League Team, North Carolina Courage. She has also invested in a skincare line known as KINLÒ, purposely for melanated individuals. She created the product with Ghanaian-born dermatologist Dr. Naana Boakye.
Also, Osaka recently launched her maiden swimwear collection in collaboration with Los Angeles-based fashion brand Frankies Bikinis. The line aims to empower women and make them feel extra confident.
The tennis star “grew up in a Haitian household in New York” where she lived with her grandmother. Although she has often touted her Haitian heritage, Osaka plays tennis under the Japanese flag despite not being able to speak the language fluently.
