Latest news with #LeagueSportsCo
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Kohli invests in Dubai-based businessman's WBL
28 May 2025 23:40 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has made another investment with the Dubai-based businessman Adi Mishra, this time coming on board as a strategic investor in a proposed World Bowling League. The announcement come close on the heels of the star batsman opting to retire from the Test format of cricket amid his form slipping with the bat at age the batsman with second-most centuries and the most successful Test captain for India is going strong in preparing for life after cricket with a change in his commercial agency last month and now investing in the WBL; he is the second popular name to do so after Los Angeles Dodgers baseball star Mookie Betts."The World Bowling League (WBL) is pleased to announce cricketing icon Virat Kohli as a strategic investor in the league, igniting a bold new chapter to elevate the sport of bowling," the league organisers said in a statement on has also invested in another IP by Mishra's company League Sports Co., the E1 electric powerboat racing series, in which he has a franchise Team Blue Rising with many other former star players from sports such as football and tennis as fellow team owners. This UAE team for the E1 World Championship focuses on bringing the message of sustainability, innovation, technology and conservation in the world's first series of 'all-electric' race boats."I started bowling when I was 11 years old, spinning the ball by 12," the 36-year-old Kohli said in a statement issued by League Sports Co. (LSC), the owner of WBL. "It is evident how popular the sport is while being under-appreciated as a business proposition. I'm thrilled to join the WBL as an investor and partner."It wasn't clear if Kohli is picking up a franchise in the WBL or a shareholder in the overall league with no details on the schedule also from League Sports Co. Apart from being the leading name in international cricket, Kohli is a social media phenomenon and the third-most followed athlete on Instagram behind footballers Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Kohli also has a stake in the Indian Super League football team FC Goa."When I discovered Virat is also a bowler, it was exciting to align with this new-age vision for the sport," said Mishra, the founder-CEO of LSC. "Every week, we uncover more about bowling's global depth and fascinating history – it's a sleeping giant we're ready to awaken."Kohli is playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with his team, Royal Challengers Bangalore, while he is now going to focus only on one-day internationals for whatever is left in his career as an Indian last year, Kohli made heads turn in the industry when he parted ways with Cornerstone, the celebrity and event management company headed by his longtime friend Bunty Sajdeh. Kohli has now joined hands with a new company, Sporting to a report in Telecom Asia Sport, his brand value hasn't diminished. Despite retiring from two out of three formats, his central contract with the cricket board, worth 70 million rupees in the A grade, remains intact. He gets another INR 210 million for playing in the IPL. According to that report, there are roughly INR 10 billion tied up as his investments or stakes in 15-odd companies, including the LSC's E1 series, some start-ups, and other recent brands such as Chisel Fitness and WROGN, among others.
CNA
3 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Sports-From batting to bowling: India's Kohli invests in World Bowling League
NEW DELHI :The proposed World Bowling League has received a major boost after marquee India cricketer Virat Kohli came on board as a strategic investor on Wednesday. Apart from being the leading name in international cricket, Kohli is a social media phenomenon and the third-most followed athlete on Instagram behind footballers Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. "The World Bowling League (WBL) is pleased to announce cricketing icon Virat Kohli as a strategic investor in the league, igniting a bold new chapter to elevate the sport of bowling," the league organisers said in a statement. Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts bought the first announced team in the WBL, which is yet to announce the franchises and schedule of the first event of the league featuring mixed-gender teams. "I started bowling when I was 11 years old, spinning the ball by 12," the 36-year-old Kohli said in a statement issued by League Sports Co., the owner of WBL. "It is evident how popular the sport is while being under-appreciated as a business proposition." "I'm thrilled to join the WBL as an investor and partner." Kohli owns a team in the E1 World Championship power-boat series and has a stake in Indian Super League soccer team FC Goa. "When I discovered Virat is also a bowler, it was exciting to align on this new-age vision for the sport," said Adi K. Mishra, founder and CEO of League Sports Co. "Every week, we uncover more about bowling's global depth and fascinating history - it's a sleeping giant we're ready to awaken." Former India captain Kohli, who plays in the Indian Premier League, retired from test cricket earlier this month and now only features in internationals in the 50-overs format.
Reuters
3 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Sports-From batting to bowling: India's Kohli invests in World Bowling League
NEW DELHI, May 28 (Reuters) - The proposed World Bowling League has received a major boost after marquee India cricketer Virat Kohli came on board as a strategic investor on Wednesday. Apart from being the leading name in international cricket, Kohli is a social media phenomenon and the third-most followed athlete on Instagram behind footballers Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. "The World Bowling League (WBL) is pleased to announce cricketing icon Virat Kohli as a strategic investor in the league, igniting a bold new chapter to elevate the sport of bowling," the league organisers said in a statement. Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts bought the first announced team in the WBL, which is yet to announce the franchises and schedule of the first event of the league featuring mixed-gender teams. "I started bowling when I was 11 years old, spinning the ball by 12," the 36-year-old Kohli said in a statement issued by League Sports Co., the owner of WBL. "It is evident how popular the sport is while being under-appreciated as a business proposition." "I'm thrilled to join the WBL as an investor and partner." Kohli owns a team in the E1 World Championship power-boat series and has a stake in Indian Super League soccer team FC Goa. "When I discovered Virat is also a bowler, it was exciting to align on this new-age vision for the sport," said Adi K. Mishra, founder and CEO of League Sports Co. "Every week, we uncover more about bowling's global depth and fascinating history - it's a sleeping giant we're ready to awaken." Former India captain Kohli, who plays in the Indian Premier League, retired from test cricket earlier this month and now only features in internationals in the 50-overs format.
Entrepreneur
3 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Virat Kohli Joins World Bowling League as Strategic Investor
You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has joined the World Bowling League (WBL) as a strategic investor, marking a significant step in reimagining the future of bowling as a global sport. Kohli's investment aligns with WBL's bold vision to modernise bowling through mixed-gender teams, electrifying global events, and an immersive spectator experience. Founded by Adi K Mishra, the World Bowling League aims to turn bowling into a mainstream, high-energy sport with franchises and professional athletes at the forefront. The league recently launched its first team, Team OMG, owned by MLB star Mookie Betts. "I started bowling when I was 11 years old, spinning the ball by 12," said Virat Kohli. "It is evident how popular the sport is while being underappreciated as a business proposition. Adi's vision to redefine bowling is unique. After our success with Team Blue Rising in the E1 Series, I'm thrilled to join the WBL as an investor and partner." Kohli, one of the most followed athletes globally, brings significant influence to the league's efforts to engage new fans and inspire the next generation of bowling enthusiasts. "Elite-level bowling is full of nuance and challenge," said Adi K Mishra, Founder and CEO of League Sports Co. "Discovering Virat's interest in bowling made this collaboration even more special. His passion and sportsmanship are perfectly aligned with what we're building." With plans to unveil more franchises soon, the WBL is poised to create a fresh cultural moment around bowling—one that blends competition, entertainment, and global appeal. The World Bowling League is an innovative global sports league dedicated to transforming bowling into a dynamic, spectator-driven experience through cutting-edge formats and iconic venues.
