Brands Continue to Back Naomi Osaka, Showing an Evolution in How Sponsors Treat Athletes

Naomi Osaka is the world’s highest highest-paid female athlete. She has earned some $60 million over the past 12 months, according to Forbes, and is sponsored by a host of well-heeled companies, including blue-chip names like Nike, Nissan, Mastercard and TAG Heuer. When Osaka announced on May 31 that she was withdrawing from the French Open, citing a desire to tend to her mental health, sponsors lined up to publicly back her.

“Our thoughts are with Naomi. We support her and recognize her courage in sharing her own mental health experience,” Nike said. “Naomi Osaka’s decision reminds us all how important it is to prioritize personal health and well-being,” Mastercard tweeted. “We support her and admire her courage to address important issues, both on and off the court.” Read More