James has long dominated the NBA stage, but now, the LA Lakers superstar is set to rock the boat among the likes of Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal and Didier Drogba.
The 40-year-old was unveiled as the latest sporting icon to become a team owner in the UIM E1 World Championship on Thursday.
James is launching a brand-new team on the E1 circuit – the world’s first and only all-electric raceboat series – announcing ‘Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James’ in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
And fans won’t have to wait long to see the basketball star’s team make waves. Team AlUla joins the fleet this weekend when the 2025 E1 season kickstarts with the Jeddah GP on Saturday.
James’s E1 team will test their talents, competing against the likes of Team Brady and Team Rafa in high-energy racing – which can best be described as the eco-friendly Formula One of the raceboat world.
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LeBron James has been unveiled as a new team owner in the F1 of the raceboat world, E1
The innovative circuit pits the teams head-to-head in some of the world’s most iconic cities, including Doha, Monaco, and Miami in a bid to be crowned ‘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 the ancient oasis city in Saudi Arabia – will be fronted by its two talented pilots: Rusty Wyatt and Catie Munnings.
Wyatt, a Canadian powerboat racer, is heralded as one of the sport’s most promising rising stars, having been crowned Rookie of the Year at the prestigious F1H20 UIM World Championship in 2024.
Meanwhile, Munnings brings veteran experience to the helm, having competed for Team Brazil during last year’s inaugural season.
The Brit, who was the UK’s first ever female Red Bull motorsports athlete, claimed three podium finishes on the circuit’s debut.
‘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.
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James’ team will begin racing this weekend in the 2025 season opener in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
‘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.’
Meanwhile, James, the NBA’s all-time leading points scorer, joins the Hall-of-Fame ranks of E1 owners.
NFL legend Brady and 22-time Grand Slam winner Nadal bought into E1 from the beginning as owners of their eponymous teams.
The likes of former Premier League winner Drogba and star cricketer Virat Kohli have also been onboard.
Meanwhile, the star-studded ownership is rounded out with an illustrious roster of A-listers from the world of entertainment, including Hollywood actor Will Smith, Grammy award-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.
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Team AlUla will be fronted by its two talented pilots: Rusty Wyatt and Catie Munnings
‘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, which is led by Co-Team Principals John Marlow and Barny Whitwham, joins James’s extensive portfolio of business ventures away from the court.
The four-time NBA champion already owns stakes in Fenway Sports Group, Beats by Dre, PGA Tour Enterprises and Liverpool FC.
But now, it’s time to see if James and his latest endeavor will sink or swim.
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