Naomi Osaka's Evolve poaches Aryna Sabalenka from IMG in massive move

Aryna Sabalenka has made a major career move by leaving IMG, the agency that has represented her since 2019, to join Naomi Osaka's sports agency, Evolve. IMG has been managing Sabalenka’s career for years, handling her sponsorships, endorsements, and other professional matters.

In 2022, Osaka parted ways with the International Management Group (IMG), a global agency specializing in sports, events, and talent management. After six years of representation, her contract with IMG ended in late 2021.

By May 2022, Osaka announced the launch of her own sports venture, Evolve, alongside Stuart Duguid, her former IMG pointman who followed suit. The venture signed its first client, Nick Kyrgios, on June 20, 2022.

On Friday, November 3, Osaka’s agency announced on Instagram that Aryna Sabalenka had joined their roster. The post featured a warm welcome, reading:

“Welcome to EVOLVE @arynasabalenka 🐯.”

Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka reach Brisbane and Auckland SFs

2025 Brisbane International: Day 5 - Source: Getty

Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to the semifinals of the Brisbane International, while Naomi Osaka secured her spot in the semifinals of the ASB Classic in Auckland.

Sabalenka kicked off her 2025 season in Brisbane with an impressive start. On December 31, 2024, the Belarusian secured a commanding 6-4, 6-0 victory in her opening match against Renata Zarazua.

She then faced Yulia Putintseva and emerged victorious with a hard-fought 7-6(7), 6-4 scoreline. Continuing her strong form, the World No. 1 triumphed in the quarterfinals on January 3, defeating Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-4. With the win, Sabalenka advanced to the semifinals against Mirra Andreeva.

Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka has made it to the semifinals at the Auckland Classic, marking her first such achievement since the Miami Open in April 2022.

Osaka claimed her first win at the ASB Classic on December 30, 2024, defeating Lina Glushko 6-4, 6-4. The Japanese continued her impressive form on January 1, overcoming Austria's Julia Grabher with a 7-5, 6-3 victory.

On Friday, the former world No. 1 battled past unseeded Hailey Baptiste, securing a 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-2 win. She is now set to face either eighth-seeded Katie Volynets or unseeded Alycia Parks in the last four of the WTA 250 tournament on Saturday, January 4.

Once these tournaments wrap up, Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka will head to the Australian Open, which takes place from January 12 to January 26.