MS Dhoni: From Captain Cool to Business Tycoon – Inside His Multi-Crore Empire Post Retirement

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the iconic cricketer who led India to numerous victories, is now playing a different game – the business game. With strategic investments across sectors, Dhoni has crafted a business empire that spans sports, fitness, agriculture, and entertainment, both domestically and internationally. We take a deep dive into Dhoni’s impressive portfolio, covering the details of his ventures, their financial success, and the milestones he’s achieved.

Author :Gaurav Kumar, Last Updated :October 1, 2024

1. Chennaiyin FC – Kicking Off in Football

Year of Registration: 2014

Revenue (2023): ₹170 crore

Milestones: ISL Champions in 2015, 2018

Ownership Share: Co-owned with Abhishek Bachchan and Vita Dani

Dhoni's love for sports didn’t stop at cricket. In 2014, he ventured into football by co-owning Chennaiyin FC, a franchise in the Indian Super League (ISL). Under Dhoni’s co-ownership, Chennaiyin FC has won the ISL championship twice – in 2015 and 2018, solidifying its place among the top teams in the league. The franchise also became a profit-making entity by 2023, reporting an estimated revenue of ₹170 crore.

2. SportsFit World – Building a Fitness Empire

Year of Registration: 2012

Revenue (2023): ₹100 crore

Milestones: Expanded to over 200 locations across India

Recognizing the fitness boom in India, Dhoni launched SportsFit World Pvt Ltd in 2012. Aimed at providing quality gym facilities to health-conscious Indians, the chain has now grown to more than 200 branches across the country. With annual revenues exceeding ₹100 crore, SportsFit has become one of the top gym chains in India. Dhoni’s hands-on involvement in promoting fitness has been a driving force behind the brand’s success.

3. Seven (7) Brand – A Sports Lifestyle Revolution

Year of Registration: 2016

Revenue (2023): ₹90 crore

Milestones: Global expansion, brand ambassadors including Dhoni himself

Leveraging his massive popularity, Dhoni co-founded Seven (7), a sports and casual wear brand, in 2016. The brand, with Dhoni as its primary ambassador, has seen a growing presence not just in India but also internationally. Seven has now become a go-to choice for youth looking for stylish yet functional sportswear. The brand reported revenues of ₹90 crore in 2023 and is continuing to expand globally.

4. Dhoni Entertainment Pvt Ltd – Making a Mark in Films

Year of Registration: 2019

Revenue (2023): ₹40 crore

Milestones: Produced docu-series and slated for future web series

Moving into the entertainment industry, Dhoni founded Dhoni Entertainment Pvt Ltd in 2019. The company’s first major project, a docu-series for Disney+ Hotstar, was well-received. The company has plans to venture into web series and feature films in the future. With a revenue of ₹40 crore in 2023, Dhoni Entertainment is poised to become a notable player in India’s digital entertainment space.

5. Ranchi Rays – Promoting Hockey

Year of Registration: 2014

Revenue (2023): ₹25 crore

Milestones: Hockey India League title contenders, promoting the national game

In 2014, Dhoni co-launched Ranchi Rays, a team in the Hockey India League (HIL), with the goal of promoting hockey in India. While the HIL has faced challenges, Ranchi Rays remains a vital initiative in highlighting India’s national sport. Despite the HIL's halt, the franchise has retained its influence in promoting hockey at grassroots levels.

6. Organic Farming – A Green Investment

Year of Entry: 2020

Revenue (2023): ₹12 crore (approximate)

Milestones: Shift to organic farming, focus on sustainable agriculture

Dhoni has always been rooted in his hometown, Ranchi. In 2020, he decided to make his mark in sustainable agriculture by engaging in organic farming. His farm focuses on cultivating organic vegetables and fruits, which are sold in the local markets and exported to major cities like Dubai. While this venture is in its early stages, it is expected to grow rapidly, especially with the increasing demand for organic produce.

7. MS Dhoni Cricket Academy – Shaping Future Cricketers

Year of Registration: 2017

Revenue (2023): ₹20 crore

Milestones: Expansion to over 5 countries, training over 2000 students annually

With a vision to give back to the sport that made him a global icon, Dhoni founded the MS Dhoni Cricket Academy in 2017. Initially started in India, the academy has now expanded to countries like the UAE, Singapore, and South Africa. The academy focuses on nurturing young cricketing talent with the expertise of professional coaches. With over 2000 students enrolled annually, the academy has become a premier institution for aspiring cricketers.

8. 7Sea Esports – Betting on the Future of Gaming

Year of Registration: 2021

Revenue (2023): ₹10 crore

Milestones: Rapid rise in esports viewership and team growth

Esports is a booming industry, and Dhoni didn’t miss the opportunity to get involved. In 2021, he invested in 7Sea Esports, a gaming startup. 7Sea competes in various esports tournaments globally and has gained a massive following among gamers. Esports is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, and Dhoni’s early investment in the industry shows his sharp business acumen. Conclusion: A Captain Who Knows How to Lead in Business MS Dhoni’s transition from a cricket captain to a business mogul is a testament to his leadership and strategic thinking. Each of his ventures, whether in sports, lifestyle, or entertainment, has been thoughtfully curated and executed, ensuring sustainable growth and

diversification.

With an estimated net worth exceeding ₹1,000 crore, Dhoni continues to inspire millions not only on the field but also in the boardroom. His entrepreneurial spirit shows that a true leader never stops playing the game – he just changes the field.

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