Virat Kohli Joins World Bowling League as Strategic Investor

The World Bowling League has announced that cricket legend Virat Kohli will serve as a strategic investor, aiming to revolutionize the sport of bowling. With the introduction of Mookie Betts' Team OMG as the first franchise, the league seeks to modernize gameplay and attract a broader audience. Kohli, who has a personal connection to bowling, expressed his excitement about the potential of the sport as a business opportunity. The WBL plans to introduce more franchises, each with a unique identity, to create a cultural movement around bowling. Discover how this initiative could reshape the future of bowling as a mainstream spectator sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 29, 2025, 02:09 IST

A New Era for Bowling

Mumbai, Maharashtra - The World Bowling League (WBL) has officially welcomed cricket superstar Virat Kohli as a strategic investor, marking an exciting new phase aimed at enhancing the sport of bowling.

In a recent announcement, the WBL introduced MLB star Mookie Betts' Team OMG as the inaugural franchise, according to a statement from the league.

Bowling has been a cherished part of popular culture, featuring in memorable scenes from films like The Big Lebowski and The Simpsons, as well as Justin Bieber's 'Baby' music video. With over 100 million fans participating globally each year, bowling transcends mere sport, fostering connections among families, friends, and celebrities alike.

Notably, former US President Nixon famously installed bowling lanes in the White House, and numerous athletes and stars have showcased their competitive spirit on the lanes.

The WBL aims to revolutionize the bowling experience, introducing modern gameplay, mixed-gender teams, and thrilling events at renowned venues worldwide, breaking away from the conventional bowling alley concept.

These dynamic competitions are designed to elevate bowling into a mainstream spectator sport like never before.

At its essence, the WBL serves as a platform for athletes to demonstrate their skills, highlighting the dedication and talent behind each roll on the unique lanes.

Virat Kohli, a prominent figure in global sports, shares a personal bond with bowling. 'I began bowling at the age of 11, mastering the spin by 12,' Kohli remarked. 'The sport's popularity is clear, yet it remains undervalued as a business opportunity.'

Kohli expressed excitement about joining the WBL, stating, 'Adi K Mishra's vision for transforming bowling is remarkable, and after our success with Team Blue Rising in the E1 series, I am eager to be an investor and partner in this venture.'

His influence as the third-most followed athlete on Instagram, trailing only behind Ronaldo and Messi, significantly boosts the league's goal of inspiring a new generation of bowlers.

Adi K Mishra, the Founder and CEO of League Sports Co, shared Kohli's enthusiasm, saying, 'Elite-level bowling presents a world of complex challenges, from lanes with distinct topographies to thousands of 3D-printed oil patterns that affect ball behavior. Discovering Virat's passion for bowling was thrilling, and it aligns perfectly with our vision for the sport. His relentless pursuit of excellence in sports mirrors our own ambitions. Each week, we delve deeper into bowling's rich global history—it's a sleeping giant we're ready to awaken.'

With Team OMG, owned by LA Dodgers star Mookie Betts, already setting a precedent, the WBL is set to announce additional franchises, each aiming to establish a unique identity and create a cultural movement around bowling.