Naomi Osaka confirms IMG departure, launch of EVOLVE agency with agent Stuart Duguid

Naomi Osaka pens the latest chapter of her trailblazing career with the announcement that she and longtime agent Stuart Duguid have launched their own sports agency, EVOLVE.

Osaka and Duguid, who will be equity stakeholders in EVOLVE, previously worked together under IMG, exiting at the end of 2021 at the end of her contract.

“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 move makes the former world No. 1 the first elite sportswoman to have primary control of her brand and business—following in the footsteps of Roger Federer, Lebron James, and other male athletes.

At 24, Osaka was already the highest paid woman in sports, earning over $50 million dollars last year in endorsements alone.

Osaka, who won her fourth Grand Slam title at the 2021 Australian Open, acknowledged the announcements with a slew of rocket emojis and a tag for Duguid, who has worked with Osaka for seven years.