LeBron James takes his talents to the Red Sea.
James has dominated the NBA stage for a long time, but now the LA Lakers superstar is ready to rock the boat between the likes of Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal and Didier Drogba.
The 40-year-old was unveiled on Thursday as the latest sporting icon to become a team owner in the UIM E1 World Championship.
James launches a brand new team on the E1 circuit – the world’s first and only all-electric racing boat 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 will join the fleet this weekend when the 2025 E1 season kicks off with the Jeddah GP on Saturday.
James’ E1 team will test their talents and compete against the likes of Team Brady and Team Rafa in high-energy races – which can best be described as the eco-friendly Formula 1 of the racing boat world.
LeBron James has been unveiled as the new team owner in the racing boat world’s F1, E1
The innovative circuit will see teams compete against each other 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 sport and competition, the opportunity to own an E1 team that represents such a high level of innovation in the sport is incredibly exciting,” said James.
“E1 is a new kind of global competition that is 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 led by two talented pilots: Rusty Wyatt and Catie Munnings.
Wyatt, a Canadian powerboat racer, is being heralded as one of the sport’s most promising rising stars after being crowned Rookie of the Year at the prestigious F1H20 UIM World Championship in 2024.
Meanwhile, Munnings brings seasoned experience to the helm, having competed for Team Brazil in its inaugural season last year.
The Briton, the first ever female Red Bull motorsport athlete in Britain, achieved three podium finishes in her debut on the track.
“As E1 prepares for a second season that will bring new teams, more iconic racing locations and more exciting action on the water, it is with immense pride and excitement that I welcome Team AlUla and LeBron to the championship,” said Rodi Basso, CEO and co founder of E1 said.

James’ team will begin racing this weekend at the 2025 season opener in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
“In both 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 point scorer, joins the Hall-of-Fame ranks of E1 owners.
NFL legend Brady and 22-time Grand Slam winner Nadal bought E1 from the start as owners of their namesake teams.
The likes of former Premier League winner Drogba and star cricketer Virat Kohli were also on board.
Meanwhile, the star-studded property is complemented by an illustrious roster of A-listers from the entertainment world, including Hollywood actor Will Smith, Grammy award-winning musician Marc Anthony and international DJ Steve Aoki.
“We are pleased to welcome LeBron James and Team AlUla to the UIM E1 World Championship,” said Alejandro Agag, Chairman and Co-Founder of E1.
“With LeBron’s championship history and history of excellence in globally celebrated sports, his participation in E1 sets the stage for an incredibly competitive and energetic season on the water.

Team AlUla is led by 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 takes the championship to an unparalleled level of prestige. This isn’t just about racing; it’s about a collection of icons that redefine what is possible in water sports. With new teams, innovative technology and iconic racing destinations, the 2025 season represents an exciting evolution of E1.”
Team AlUla, which is led by co-team directors John Marlow and Barny Whitwham, joins James’ extensive portfolio of off-court business ventures.
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 whether James and his latest venture will sink or swim.