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- ‘Long-term’ contract will see two-time major winner paid in cryptocurrency
- Osaka will be active in production on FTX branded content
Cryptocurrency exchange platform FTX has named Naomi Osaka as a global ambassador in a partnership that also sees the tennis star handed an equity stake in the company and some payments made in digital currency.
With the agreement kicking in for the ongoing 2022 Miami Open, the deal sees FTX gain branding on Osaka’s playing apparel during tournaments. The 24-year-old will also be active in directing and producing branded content.
The contract is described as ‘long-term’ and includes purpose-driven elements centred on attracting more female users to FTX’s platform. FTX will also donate to Osaka’s Play Academy charity initiative – launched in partnership with Nike and Laureus.
The stake in the cryptocurrency exchange becomes the latest addition to Osaka’s investment portfolio, which also includes salad chain Sweetgreen. The four-time Grand Slam winner also serves as an adviser to special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Disruptive Acquisition Corporation I.
“We have seen the statistics about how few women are part of crypto by comparison, which kind of mirrors the inequality we see in other financial markets,” Osaka said.
“Cryptocurrencies started with the goal of being accessible to everyone and breaking down barriers to entry. I’m excited to partner with FTX to get back to that mission and to innovate on new ways to reach more people and further democratise the space.”
Sam Bankman-Fried, chief executive of FTX, added: “Just as FTX is at the forefront of crypto markets, we want to be at the forefront of social change. Our partnership with Naomi Osaka will further our goal of getting more diverse voices involved in the future of digital currency and Web3.
“I am excited to work with Naomi as we look to educate those groups and create a positive impact in the world.”