How Naomi Osaka stayed one of tennis’ highest earners while stepping away to become a mother: Endorsements, income and businesses

Naomi Osaka did not need to be on court every week to stay one of the highest-paid athletes in the world and her net worth reflects that. Even during her break from tennis in 2023, her earning power barely dipped.

That is rare in professional sport, where visibility usually depends on results. Her journey started with big wins. The 2018 US Open title made her a global name. The 2019 Australian Open confirmed she was not a one-tournament wonder. She later collected two more Grand Slam titles and rose to world No. 1. Those achievements made her one of the defining players of her generation. But very early on, it became clear that Osaka was building something bigger than a ranking.

How Naomi Osaka stayed financially strong during her break from tennis

In 2020, Forbes estimated she earned about $37.4 million in a single year, making her the highest-paid female athlete at the time. Most of that did not come from prize money. It came from endorsements. Brands were not just backing her forehand and serve. They were investing in her personality, global background and influence. In 2023, she announced she would miss the Australian Open after revealing she was expecting her first child.

She gave birth to her daughter Shai in July and spent most of that season away from competition. For many athletes, a break like that can mean fading from headlines. Osaka’s situation was different.Reports suggested she still earned more than $15 million in 2023 from sponsorships alone. Her long-term partnerships with Nike, Louis Vuitton, Mastercard, TAG Heuer, Panasonic and Beats by Dre remained steady. By 2025, her net worth was estimated at around $45 million.

That total includes career prize money, endorsement earnings and business ventures. Osaka has also expanded off the court, launching her skincare brand KINLÒ and co-founding a sports agency.

Motherhood became part of her public identity, but it did not weaken her brand but made her more relatable. She stepped away on her own terms and returned in 2024 and competed in 2025.Osaka’s career shows that success is not just about winning titles.

She built a strong brand that supported her even when she stepped away from tennis. During her break, her popularity and income remained steady, proving her influence goes beyond what happens on the court.She kept major endorsement deals with brands like Nike and Louis Vuitton. She also stayed involved in business with her skincare brand KINLÒ. Her steady earnings during maternity leave showed that her career is built on more than rankings and match wins.