In a bold move that marries cutting-edge technology and sustainability, basketball icon LeBron James has expanded his legacy into the world of electric powerboat racing. His newly announced Team AlUla will compete in the UIM E1 World Championship—the planet’s first all-electric race-boat series—starting with the 2025 season opener in Jeddah.
James, already a seasoned entrepreneur with stakes in Liverpool FC, the Boston Red Sox, and the Pittsburgh Penguins, has now added water sports to his portfolio. With a focus on innovation and eco-friendly practices, the E1 Series represents a natural extension of James’s commitment to sustainable and forward-thinking ventures. “E1 is a new type of global competition that’s revolutionising water racing, and I’m proud to be at the forefront of its expansion this season,” says James.
A championship with a purpose
The E1 World Championship combines adrenaline-fuelled action with a mission for ocean conservation. Teams race state-of-the-art electric powerboats in iconic cities like Monaco, Miami, and Doha, showcasing the thrilling potential of clean energy technology on the water.
Team AlUla’s name pays homage to the historic Saudi Arabian city of al-Ula, a luxury destination renowned for its stunning landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The choice reflects a marriage of heritage, modernity, and sustainability, themes central to the E1 series.
Meet the drivers
LeBron’s Team AlUla features two top-tier racers:
Rusty Wyatt: Hailing from Canada, Wyatt’s meteoric rise in the powerboat world saw him crowned Rookie of the Year at the 2024 F1H2O UIM World Championship. Known for his daring manoeuvres and tactical brilliance, Wyatt is a racer to watch.
Catie Munnings: A trailblazer in motorsport, Munnings is the UK’s first female Red Bull athlete and a decorated FIA European Rally Championship Ladies’ Trophy winner. She brings experience, skill, and a competitive edge, having secured three podium finishes during E1’s debut season.
Together, Wyatt and Munnings promise to deliver electrifying performances as they vie for glory in one of the most exciting racing formats on the planet.
Sustainability at the helm
The E1 Series electric boats, designed by SeaBird Technologies and Victory Marine, are at the forefront of green innovation. By pushing the boundaries of marine engineering, the series serves as a proving ground for sustainable technologies that could reshape recreational and commercial boating.
LeBron’s involvement amplifies the sport’s visibility, attracting fans and investors to a championship that stands as a beacon for cleaner oceans. “This isn’t just about racing,” says Alejandro Agag, chairman and co-founder of E1. “It’s about redefining what’s possible in water sports while advancing the cause of ocean conservation.”
Star-studded ownership
LeBron James joins an elite roster of E1 team owners, including tennis legend Rafael Nadal, NFL Hall of Famer Tom Brady, and Hollywood actor Will Smith. The championship’s unique appeal lies in its innovative technology and its ability to bring together iconic figures from the sporting and entertainment worlds.
The star power behind E1 underscores its potential to revolutionise water racing, attracting both seasoned boating enthusiasts and newcomers curious about the sport’s electric future.
A legacy beyond the court
As the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron James is no stranger to breaking boundaries. His foray into E1 marks another chapter in a storied career defined by excellence, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
By aligning with E1’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, James not only strengthens his brand but also underscores the importance of clean energy solutions in global sport. “With new teams, iconic race locations, and thrilling on-water action, the 2025 season represents an exciting evolution of E1,” says Agag.
For seasoned sailors and casual boating fans alike, the arrival of Team AlUla signals a new era of electric racing—one that merges high-octane excitement with a vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Pictures of the E1 Race Series ‘RaceBird’ RB01. The foiling electric race boat shown here testing for the first time.
Photo by Lloyd Images
