A new episode in the saga between exchanges and the sports world. Naomi Osaka, four times Grand Slam winner, becomes the new ambassador of the FTX exchange platform. In the process, the tennis player will receive a share of the company’s capital.
FTX partners with champion Naomi Osaka
Today, FTX Trading Ltd (which includes FTX.US and FTX.com) announced that Naomi Osaka will be the global brand ambassador. She joins other high-profile athletes including Tom Brady and Stephen Curry.
As part of the partnership, Osaka will feature the FTX logo on her apparel for the Miami Open, which began this Monday, March 21. In addition, she is expected to receive an equity stake in FTX and compensation in cryptocurrencies.
Through this partnership, FTX will help Osaka continue its involvement in the cryptocurrency industry. Indeed, it has already launched its own collection of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), through the Autograph.io platform.
Promoting Web3.0 to women
Naomi Osaka is a Japanese tennis player, former No. 1 ranked player in the world and holder of four major Grand Slam titles. She is known for taking a stand on social issues and, more recently, on mental health awareness.
Mirroring other financial markets, the inequalities in the population making up the cryptocurrency ecosystem have alerted the tenniswoman. She thus stated:
“Cryptocurrencies started with the goal of being accessible to everyone and breaking down barriers to entry. I’m excited to partner with FTX to return to that mission and innovate new ways to reach more people and further democratize the space.”
In line with her personal beliefs, Naomi Osaka will work to promote the world of cryptocurrencies and web3.0 to women. She is expected to provide creative direction for FTX projects and will produce content for the platform.
Sam Bankman-Fried, CEO of FTX, wanted to support the Japanese player’s initiative, explaining that this project is part of FTX’s goal “to involve more diverse voices in the future of digital currency and Web3.” Moreover, as a well-known philanthropist, Bankman-Fried announced a charitable donation to Play Academy, the Osaka-based charity that works to help women through play and sport.
