Naomi Osaka seems to be unstoppable both on and off the court. Forbes named the Japanese sensation as the Highest-Paid Female Athlete in 2020 and she is finding new ways to invest her wealth.
Naomi just announced that she became the proud owner of a female Football Club in North Carolina, the NC Courage.
As per Naomi’s statement, her involvement in the Club is far beyond a mere investment, but it is about supporting courageous women fighting for diversity and equality.
“The women who have invested in me growing up made me who I am today and I cannot think of where my life would be without them,” said the world no.3. “My investment in the North Carolina Courage is far beyond just being a team owner, it’s an investment in amazing women who are role models and leaders in their fields and inspirations to all young female athletes. I also admire everything the Courage does for diversity and equality in the community, which I greatly look forward to supporting and driving forward.”
Steve Malik, the Chairman of the team, commented:
“I am thrilled to welcome Naomi as an owner of the North Carolina Courage. Naomi embodies the values we have been striving to cultivate at our club, and she brings an invaluable viewpoint on topics beyond sports. I cannot think of anyone better to help us as we continue to make a difference in our community and inspire the next generation of women.”
https://twitter.com/TheNCCourage/status/1354787562284437509?s=20
In the recent past, Serena Williams also invested in a football team, to become the co-owner of a new team in Los Angeles that will play the National Women’s Soccer League.
Serena and Naomi will face each other on Friday in an exhibition in Adelaide before heading to Melbourne and get ready for the Australian Open.
Naomi Osaka in 2021
Ranked world no.3, the Japanese played her last match on the 12th of September 2020 when she overcame Victoria Azarenka 1-6 6-3 6-3 in the final of the U.S. Open to win her 6th career title.
Serena Williams in 2021
Currently the world no.11, Serena Williams played her last match on the 28th of September 2020 when she overcame Kristie Ahn 7-6(2) 6-0 in the 1st round of the French Open (draw).
Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams fought against each other 3 times. The head to head is 2-1 for Osaka. Previously, the last time when they squared off, Serena Williams won 6-3 6-4 in the quarter in Toronto (Rogers Cup) in August 2019.
You can see them in action in the following highlights.
