At the 2020 US Open, Naomi Osaka wore seven different masks with names to highlight social injustice in support of the Black Lives Matter. Al Bello / Getty Images
Three-time Grand Slam tennis champion Naomi Osaka from Japan has invested in the courage of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in North Carolina to become a team owner, the top US club said on Thursday.
“The women who invested in me made me who I am today. I don’t know where I would be without them,” wrote Osaka, number 3 in the world, on Twitter.
“During my career I have always received so much love from my fellow athletes, so I’m proud to share that I now own the NC Courage.”
– – Angel City FC’s ownership model could shape the future of women’s sports
Osaka, 23, was named Highest Paid Athlete by Forbes last May when she surpassed her idol Serena Williams for $ 37.4 million in prize money and endorsements over a 12-month period.
The Courage won consecutive titles in 2018 and 2019 after moving to North Carolina.
Stephen Malik, 2017 chairman and founder of the club, said, “I am delighted to have Naomi as the owner of the North Carolina Courage.
“She brings an invaluable standpoint on issues beyond sport. I can’t think of a better one to help us as we continue to make a difference in our community and inspire the next generation of women.”
Osaka, which won the US Open last year, has used its position in sport to fight for racial justice. At each round of the New York tournament, she wore masks with the names of black Americans who died as a result of racial injustice and police brutality.
