LeBron James has stepped into a new sport (Image: GETTY)
and Tom Brady are two of the biggest names in American sports history – and now the two, plus retired tennis legend and legendary ex- footballer Didier Drogba, will all go head-to-head in the same sport.
Los Angeles Lakers forward and all-time NBA leading scorer LeBron has launched a new team in the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF. The sport is the world’s first and only all-electric raceboat series.
Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James, named after an ancient oasis city in Saudi Arabia, will join the nine-team fleet for the opening race of the 2025 season this weekend.
Canadian powerboat racer Rusy Wyatt and Catie Munnings, the UK’s first female Red. Bull motorsports athlete, will race for LeBron’s team. Munnings also raced in the inaugural season of E1 in 2024 for Team Brazil, who finished fifth in the standings.
“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 four-time NBA champion 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.”
The E1 team adds to LeBron’s wide investment portfolio across sports and entertainment. The 40-year-old also has stakes in FC, their owners Fenway Sports Group, PGA Tour Enterprises and Beats by Dre.
Chairman and co-founder of E1 Alejandro Agag said: “We are thrilled to welcome LeBron James and Team AlUla to the UIM E1 World Championship.
“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.”
The ‘RaceBird’ boat that the pilots for LeBron James’ team will drive (Image: E1 Series)
LeBron James has launched an E1 team (Image: E1 SERIES)
While Rodi Basso, CEO and co-founder of E1, added: “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.
“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.”
Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James have replaced E1 Team. Otherwise, the line-up remains the same with Nadal’s Team Rafa, Team Drogba, Team Brady and Virat Kohli’s Team Blue Rising all competing once again.
The 2025 season gets underway in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. There will be seven races across the world in locations such as Doha, Monaco, Lake Como and Miami.
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