LeBron James, the LA Lakers superstar, has joined the UIM E1 World Championship as a team owner, becoming the latest sports icon to venture into the electric powerboat racing series.
The 40-year-old joins a roster of high-profile owners, including Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, and Didier Drogba. James launched “Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James” in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as part of the UIM E1 World Championship, the world’s first all-electric raceboat series.
James’ team is set to debut at the Jeddah GP this weekend, marking the start of the 2025 E1 season, according to Daily Mail. The team will compete against high-profile rivals, including Tom Brady’s and Rafael Nadal’s teams, in what’s described as the eco-friendly Formula One of raceboat racing.
The UIM E1 World Championship features teams competing head-to-head in iconic cities like Doha, Monaco, and Miami, all vying for the title of “Champions of the Water.”
“As a lifelong fan of sports and competition, the opportunity to own an E1 team that represents such a high level of innovation in sports is incredibly exciting,” said James. “E1 is a new type of global competition that’s revolutionizing water racing and I’m proud to be at the forefront of its expansion in season two.”
Team AlUla, named after Saudi Arabia’s ancient oasis city, will feature pilots Rusty Wyatt and Catie Munnings. Wyatt, a Canadian powerboat racer and 2024 F1H20 UIM World Championship Rookie of the Year, is considered a rising star in the sport.
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Munnings, a seasoned competitor and the UK’s first female Red Bull motorsports athlete, brings experience from her time with Team Brazil in the inaugural season, where she secured three podium finishes.
“As E1 prepares for a second season that will deliver new teams, more iconic race locations, and more thrilling on-water action, it’s with immense pride and excitement that I welcome Team AlUla and LeBron to the Championship,” Rodi Basso, CEO and co-founder of E1, said.
“In both of them we have found like-minded partners who will join us on our journey to take E1 to the next level and beyond.”
James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, has joined the star-studded ranks of UIM E1 World Championship team owners. Fellow sports icons Brady and Nadal were early investors with their own teams, while former Premier League winner Didier Drogba and cricket star Virat Kohli have also joined the circuit.
The ownership group is further bolstered by entertainment A-listers, including actor Will Smith, Grammy-winning musician Marc Anthony, and international DJ Steve Aoki.
“We are thrilled to welcome LeBron James and Team AlUla to the UIM E1 World Championship,” Alejandro Agag, chairman and co-founder of E1, said.
“With LeBron’s championship pedigree and history of excellence in globally celebrated sports, his entry into E1 sets the stage for an incredibly competitive and high-energy season on the water.
“Having a roster of team owners that includes some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment elevates the Championship to an unparalleled level of prestige. This is not just about racing; it’s about a gathering of icons redefining what’s possible in water sports. With new teams, innovative technology, and iconic race destinations, the 2025 season represents an exciting evolution of E1.”
Team AlUla, led by Co-Team Principals John Marlow and Barny Whitwham, adds to James’ growing business portfolio.
The four-time NBA champion already holds stakes in Fenway Sports Group, Beats by Dre, PGA Tour Enterprises, and Liverpool FC.
