Virat Kohli Increases Stake in Agilitas Sports Following One8 Merger
Cricketer Virat Kohli expands ownership in Agilitas Sports after integrating his One8 brand.
1Strategic Equity Realignment
Virat Kohli has increased his ownership stake in Agilitas Sports from 1.4% to 6.4%. This significant shift follows the formal merger of his sportswear brand, One8 Sports, into the Agilitas ecosystem. The Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal officially approved this corporate integration, solidifying Kohli's long-term commitment to the venture.
2Operational Integration Benefits
The merger grants One8 direct access to Agilitas Sports' specialized infrastructure, including product development, design, and manufacturing capabilities. By leveraging these resources, One8 aims to transition from a lifestyle brand into a global sportswear competitor. This integration allows the brand to scale production while maintaining the quality standards required for international market entry.
3Global Expansion Roadmap
With the backing of Agilitas, One8 is targeting expansion into the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. This move is designed to establish a global footprint for the Indian sportswear brand. Kohli remains actively involved as a co-founder, focusing on building the brand's presence while continuing his professional cricket career.
4Agilitas Portfolio Synergy
Agilitas Sports continues to consolidate its market position by integrating One8 into a diverse portfolio that includes Lotto and Mochiko Shoes. Having acquired Mochiko, India's largest sports footwear manufacturer, in 2023, Agilitas possesses a robust supply chain. This ecosystem now supports One8’s performance and lifestyle product lines through centralized distribution and retail channels.
5Financial and Investment Context
Kohli previously invested ₹40 crore in Agilitas Sports in 2025, serving as both an investor and co-creator. Reports indicate he held 944,400 shares before the merger, valued at a company valuation of ₹3,100 crore. Anushka Sharma also participated in the investment round, contributing ₹15.78 crore to the venture at the same valuation.
6Product Launch Performance
The One8 brand launched its flagship Seam XVIII Signature sneaker in June 2026, priced at ₹9,230. This price point holds symbolic significance, matching Kohli's career total of 9,230 Test runs. The initial release saw strong consumer demand, with 1.5 lakh pairs sold within the first 24 hours of the product's market debut.
7Leadership and Vision
Agilitas Sports is led by co-founder and CEO Abhishek Ganguly, the former Managing Director of Puma India and South-East Asia. Kohli emphasized that building a sports brand during his active playing years was a long-held personal dream. The partnership combines his athletic influence with Ganguly’s extensive experience in the sportswear retail industry.
8Market Impact Analysis
This merger represents a shift toward professionalizing celebrity-backed brands through deep industrial integration. By moving beyond simple endorsements into equity-based manufacturing partnerships, Kohli and Agilitas are attempting to challenge established global sportswear giants. The success of this model will depend on their ability to sustain retail momentum across diverse international markets.