Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has transferred his lifestyle-athleisure brand One8 to Indian sportswear startup Agilitas Sports, signalling a fresh chapter in his off-field business ventures. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kohli wrote, “A new journey begins for one8 and Agilitas.”

Under the agreement, Agilitas will assume responsibility for One8’s product development, manufacturing, and global retail expansion. The startup, founded in 2023 by former Puma-India chief Abhishek Ganguly, has already integrated a major footwear maker — Mochiko Shoes Pvt. Ltd. — and secured international licensing rights for other brands, reflecting ambitions of building a full-cycle sportswear and athleisure platform.

As part of the deal, Kohli has personally invested ₹40 crore in Agilitas through Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS), acquiring a minority stake in the company. 

This move comes after Kohli declined a lucrative renewal contract reportedly worth up to ₹300 crore from his former sponsor PUMA.

According to him, the decision reflects belief in Agilitas’ manufacturing strength and vision: “designed by people of our own, made here.” 

Under Agilitas, One8 is expected to undergo a brand refresh with new footwear and apparel collections, and a broader retail footprint — in India and global markets. The startup aims to build on domestic manufacturing and supply-chain capabilities to realise a world-class “Made-in-India” sportswear brand. 

This strategic shift positions Kohli not just as a brand ambassador but as a stakeholder and co-creator — a growing trend among Indian athletes embracing ownership and entrepreneurship over endorsement alone.