by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 29, 2021

Tennis Phenom Naomi Osaka Becomes Part Owner in National Women’s Soccer League’s North Carolina Courage

Tennis phenom Naomi Osaka, who was just recently named Louis Vuitton’s latest brand ambassador, is taking her winning ways to the National Women’s Soccer League. The North Carolina Courage announced that Osaka is the first investor in the Courage since owner Steve Malik acquired and relocated the team to North Carolina in 2017.

“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 Osaka in a written statement.

“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.”

“I am thrilled to welcome Naomi as an owner of the North Carolina Courage,” said Malik, chairman 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.”

“Naomi is the perfect fit as an owner because her values sync so well with our club,” said North Carolina Courage President and General Manager Curt Johnson. “A team with an exemplary and trailblazing roster of world-class professional athletes supported by a globally influential icon is a seminal moment for our sport and the Courage organization.”


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