Aryna Sabalenka departs IMG for Naomi Osaka's EVOLVE agency: "A multi-faceted icon with limitless potential"

The 2025 season may only be in its first week of business, but Aryna Sabalenka is already shaking things up with a notable move off the court.

While she enjoyed a successful stint with IMG, the world No. 1 has chosen to evolve her representation. On Friday, it was officially announced that Sabalenka had signed with the Naomi Osaka co-founded company EVOLVE to manage all aspects of her career.

“I’m thrilled to begin this new chapter with EVOLVE. Together, we’ll build a sustainable, long-term business that reflects my values and aspirations on and off the court,” the 26-year-old said in a statement.

She is a multi-faceted icon with limitless potential. With a largely untapped commercial portfolio, the possibilities for Aryna’s career are endless. Stuart Diguid, EVOLVE co-founder

In 2024, Sabalenka won both hard-court majors and finished as year-end No. 1 for the first time en route to earning WTA Player of the Year honors. Her production on the court netted nearly $10 million in prize money.

She ranked fifth in Forbes’ annual list of the highest-paid female athletes updated in December, though trailed the likes of Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, Zheng Qinwen, Venus Williams, Emma Raducanu and Osaka when it came to breaking down her estimated earnings from endorsement deals. Each of these peers are represented by IMG except for Gauff, a Team8 client.

“She is a multi-faceted icon with limitless potential,” said Stuart Diguid, Osaka’s long-time agent who launched EVOLVE with the Japanese superstar after departing IMG himself. “With a largely untapped commercial portfolio, the possibilities for Aryna’s career are endless.”

Read More: Osaka's decision behind starting EVOLVE

In addition to Osaka, EVOLVE’s roster includes Nick Kyrgios and Anna Kalinskaya. Last August, the company brought on American teenage sensation Iva Jovic and previously signed Ons Jabeur at the start of 2023 (the Tunisian wasn’t listed in Friday’s press release).

Sabalenka is through to the Brisbane International final for the second year running, following her 6-3, 6-2 victory over Mirra Andreeva. Qualifier Polina Kudermetova stands between the Belarusian and an 18th tour-level crown.