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Economic Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Virat Kohli's new pitch isn't cricket but he is interested in bowling! Check what's his latest bet
The World Bowling League (WBL) received a major boost on Wednesday with Virat Kohli coming on board as a strategic investor. The announcement marks a high-profile push to raise the sport's profile one of the most recognised names in world cricket, is also a massive social media figure. He is the third-most followed athlete on Instagram, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. In a statement, the league organisers said, "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 WBL is owned by League Sports Co. While the league has yet to announce details such as franchises or a schedule for its first tournament, it has already made headlines with its plan to feature mixed-gender teams. One of the earliest known investors is Mookie Betts, a star for Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers, who bought the first publicly announced WBL team. Kohli, 36, issued a statement through League Sports Co. saying, "I started bowling when I was 11 years old, spinning the ball by 12. 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 also owns a team in the E1 World Championship power-boat series and holds a stake in FC Goa, a team in the Indian Super League. "When I discovered Virat is also a bowler, it was exciting to align on this new-age vision for the sport. Every week, we uncover more about bowling's global depth and fascinating history - it's a sleeping giant we're ready to awaken," League Sports Co. founder and CEO Adi K. Mishra recently retired from Test cricket. He now only plays for India in the 50-over format and continues to feature in the Indian Premier League.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Virat Kohli's new pitch isn't cricket but he is interested in bowling! Check what's his latest bet
Virat Kohli investments: The World Bowling League (WBL) has received a significant boost with Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli joining as a strategic investor. Kohli's involvement aims to elevate the sport, recognizing its untapped business potential. Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts has already invested in a team, and the WBL is set to unveil franchises and schedules for its mixed-gender team events. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The World Bowling League (WBL) received a major boost on Wednesday with Virat Kohli coming on board as a strategic investor. The announcement marks a high-profile push to raise the sport's profile globally. Kohli , one of the most recognised names in world cricket, is also a massive social media figure. He is the third-most followed athlete on Instagram, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel a statement, the league organisers said, "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 WBL is owned by League Sports Co. While the league has yet to announce details such as franchises or a schedule for its first tournament, it has already made headlines with its plan to feature mixed-gender teams. One of the earliest known investors is Mookie Betts, a star for Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers, who bought the first publicly announced WBL 36, issued a statement through League Sports Co. saying, "I started bowling when I was 11 years old, spinning the ball by 12. 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 also owns a team in the E1 World Championship power-boat series and holds a stake in FC Goa, a team in the Indian Super League "When I discovered Virat is also a bowler, it was exciting to align on this new-age vision for the sport. Every week, we uncover more about bowling's global depth and fascinating history - it's a sleeping giant we're ready to awaken," League Sports Co. founder and CEO Adi K. Mishra recently retired from Test cricket. He now only plays for India in the 50-over format and continues to feature in the Indian Premier League.
Reuters
18-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Dodgers star Mookie Betts to own World Bowling League franchise
March 18 - Avid bowler -- and Los Angeles Dodgers star -- Mookie Betts has bought the first announced team in the new World Bowling League. The league's owner, League Sports Co., announced the purchase on Tuesday but didn't reveal financial terms. Betts is buying the team with Cam Lewis, his business partner with The One Marketing Group. They have named it Team OMG. An eight-time All-Star, three-time World Series champion and former American League MVP, Betts was a competitive bowler while growing up in Tennessee. And he still bowls. The morning after his 30th birthday party in 2022, Betts bowled a perfect 300. The World Bowling League hasn't announced the remainder of its team lineup, but there are expected to be franchises around the world, including in Dubai. When the league's formation was announced in 2023, organizers said the WBL would have 12 to 15 events per year, held from the United States to Europe to Asia, with hopes of expansion within five years. Between eight and 12 franchises were expected to compete in the first year, with each team featuring at least two women to promote gender balance. The announcement came the day the Dodgers began the 2025 season with a win against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo. Manager Dave Roberts said Betts will not play in the two-game Tokyo Series because he is still recovering from an illness that caused him to lose 15 pounds. --Field Level Media
