Virat Kohli invests INR 40 Crore in Agilitas following Puma exit

Published - 08 Dec 2025, 21:23 IST | Updated - 08 Dec 2025, 21:37 IST

Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli has reportedly invested INR 40 crore in Agilitas Sports, beginning a new chapter for his lifestyle-athleisure brand, One8. After eight successful years with Puma, the former India captain has chosen to step away from a massive renewal offer and instead invest in an Indian sportswear startup led by former Puma India chief Abhishek Ganguly.

For nearly a decade, Kohli’s association with Puma was one of the biggest athlete-brand partnerships in India. His original 2017 contract with the German giant reportedly stood at INR 110 crore, making the way for One8 to flourish under Puma’s name. As the deal neared its end in 2025, Puma provided an estimated INR 300 crore renewal. However, Kohli chose Agilitas Sports, founded by Ganguly, which offered not just a sponsorship but an opportunity to help build a full-scale Indian sportswear brand. This led Kohli to sell One8 to Agilitas and invest heavily to secure a minority stake. The cricketer announced the partnership on his social media account.

"Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter straight from my heart. A new journey begins for one8 and Agilitas, driven by purpose and ambition. Taking one8 home to Agilitas," he captioned the post.

Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter straight from my heart. A new journey begins for one8 and Agilitas, driven by purpose and ambition. Taking one8 home to Agilitas.

"Rohit-Virat presence gave supreme confidence to the team"

Notably, Kohli’s INR 40 crore investment converts to roughly a 1.94% stake in Agilitas through Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS). Ganguly confirmed that Kohli would hold a mid-single-digit minority stake once the full transaction is completed. Importantly, the partnership is exclusive, meaning Kohli will not endorse any other sports brand during this period. The 37-year-old's decision was taken due to Ganguly’s vision.

"When the offer came through and he (Ganguly) made me understand the force behind it, the manufacturing capabilities, the expertise that he has, and the kind of people that were going to come on board, I thought this could become something big and of course, I wanted to be a part of it," Kohli said.

Meanwhile, Agilitas has previously acquired Mochiko Shoes, a leading footwear manufacturer for major global brands. Under the new deal, One8 will be developed, expanded, and globally positioned under Agilitas’ structure.