How’s that for a headline? Where should I even begin? Well, let’s begin at the beginning. The UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF is the world’s first all-electric raceboat Championship. In fact, the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF is part of the Electric 360 partnership created by PIF which focuses on the future of electric mobility that’s comprised of E1, Formula E and Extreme E to bring the excitement of all-electric-powered racing, as well as significant technological innovation to the world. And oh yeah, Tom Brady, Will Smith, Rafael Nadal, Marc Anthony, and now, King LeBron James own teams in the innovate new league.

Team Brady won the debut E1 Series World Championship after overcoming strong competition from eight other teams after a series of races in iconic global cities around the world, including Jeddah, Venice and Monaco.

But now that Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James is set to join the E1 fleet for the 2025 season that begins with the E1 Jeddah GP on Saturday, I have a feeling that the competition will be fierce both on and off 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 LeBron 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 Championed by LeBron James, named after the oasis city in Saudi Arabia (a growing luxury heritage boutique destination and home to Hegra, the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage site) will be piloted by two talented racers, Rusty Wyatt and Catie Munnings.

Wyatt, a Canadian powerboat star, is one of the sport’s most promising talents after being recognized as Rookie of the Year at the prestigious F1H20 UIM World Championship in 2024.

Alongside Wyatt is British racer Catie Munnings (the UK’s first ever female Red Bull motorsports athlete and a previous FIA European Rally Championship Ladies’ Trophy winner) who joins from Team Brazil after securing an impressive three podium places in E1’s debut season.

James’ team joins an impressive list of team owners in the Championship that already includes NFL Hall of Famer Tom Brady, tennis legend Rafael Nadal, Hollywood actor Will Smith, international DJ Steve Aoki, footballing superstar Didier Drogba, philanthropist and businessman Marcelo Claure, star cricketer Virat Kohli, and Grammy award-winning musician Marc Anthony.

As the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, James’ entry into E1 extends his thirst for competition. The new team adds to his expansive investment portfolio across sport and entertainment which includes stakes in Fenway Sports Group, Beats by Dre, PGA Tour Enterprises and Liverpool FC.

“We are thrilled to welcome LeBron James and Team AlUla to the UIM E1 World Championship,” said Alejandro Agag, chairman and co-founder of E1. “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.”

Watch this space.