Basketball star LeBron James and tennis player Naomi Osaka have launched a new media company.

Osaka announced yesterday she was partnering with James to launch Hana Kuma, described as “a media platform focused on stories that are culturally specific but universal”.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the platform already has multiple projects lined up.

"There has been an explosion of creators of colour finally being equipped with resources and a huge platform," Osaka said in the statement.

"In the streaming age, content has a more global perspective. You can see this in the popularity of television from Asia, Europe, and Latin America that the unique can also be universal.

"My story is a testament to that as well. I'm so excited for what we are building at Hana Kuma. We will bring stories to life with this goal in mind: to make unique perspectives feel universal and inspire people along the way."

Osaka opened up further about her new enterprise on Instagram, praising James.

“I’ve built my career taking a different approach than those around me and because my journey has been so different it’s opened my eyes to all the incredible stories out there that aren’t getting told,” she said.

“Stories that are global, about a variety of cultures and points of view, about important social issues. That’s why I’m launching Hana Kuma, a media platform focused on stories that are culturally specific but universal. Stories that are bold and playful like me.

“I’m incredibly proud to be building a business that is a true reflection of me and I couldn’t think of a better partner than @kingjames to do this. I’m so excited to do this with him… can’t wait to share our stories.”

Hana Kuma is the latest project from the four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka and her agent Stuart Duguid.

The pair also recently launched a sports agency named Evolve, which signed Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios earlier this week.

The 24-year-old Osaka has not competed on the WTA Tour since the French Open, when she suffered a first-round loss after struggling with an Achilles injury.

The same injury saw her pull out of Wimbledon, which is set to get underway on June 27th.