LeBron James steps into new sport as NBA icon | NBA News

LeBron James and Tom Brady are two of the largest names in American sports activities historical past – and now the 2, plus retired tennis legend Rafael Nadal and legendary ex-Chelsea footballer Didier Drogba, will all go head-to-head in the identical sport.

Los Angeles Lakers ahead and all-time NBA main scorer LeBron has launched a new group within the UIM E1 World Championship offered by PIF. The sport is the world’s first and solely all-electric raceboat sequence.

Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James, named after an historic oasis metropolis in Saudi Arabia, will be a part of 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 feminine Red. Bull motorsports athlete, will race for LeBron’s group. Munnings additionally raced within the inaugural season of E1 in 2024 for Team Brazil, who completed fifth within 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,” stated 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 group provides to LeBron’s broad investment portfolio throughout sports activities and leisure. The 40-year-old additionally has stakes in Liverpool FC, their house owners Fenway Sports Group, PGA Tour Enterprises and Beats by Dre.

Chairman and co-founder of E1 Alejandro Agag stated: “We are thrilled to welcome LeBron James and Team AlUla to the UIM E1 World Championship.

“With LeBron’s championship pedigree and historical past of excellence in globally celebrated sports activities, his entry into E1 units the stage for an extremely aggressive and high-energy season on the water.

“Having a roster of group house owners that features some of the largest names in sports activities and leisure elevates the Championship to an unparalleled stage of status.

“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.”

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 each of them now we have discovered like-minded companions who will be a part of us on our journey to take E1 to the following stage and past.”

Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James have changed Sergio Perez E1 Team. Otherwise, the line-up stays the identical with Nadal’s Team Rafa, Team Drogba, Team Brady and Virat Kohli’s Team Blue Rising all competing as soon as again.

The 2025 season will get underway in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. There will likely be seven races the world over in areas such as Doha, Monaco, Lake Como and Miami.