Powerboat racing is the new thing and LeBron James' latest venture has entered the world of powerboat racing. And as you may expect, he has already received attention after launching his E1 Series team this year. His entry into the all-electric racing series places him among notable celebrities, including Tom Brady and Will Smith, who have also tested the waters in this high-speed sport.
When our friends at TMZ Sports asked if the basketball legend would be taking part in the races himself, Rusty Wyatt, one of the drivers on James' team, hinted at the possibility, citing a precedent for celebrity involvement.
"Will Smith and Rafael Nadal, they actually raced one of these boats," Wyatt shared (2:50 mark). "... So, yeah, you never know." That part.
Get this: King James' addition to the E1 Series for the 2025 season adds to the growing roster of celebrities who are attracted to the sport. Along with high-profile names like Brady and Smith, his presence is expected to draw a new audience to the race series. Wyatt, who shares driving duties with Catie Munnings, believes that James' influence will undoubtedly have an impact.
"Anything LeBron does, people are gonna follow," Wyatt said (1:40 mark). "He's such an icon to so many different people."
ICYMI, LeBron's foray into powerboat racing comes as part of a broader trend of celebrities embracing the adrenaline-packed world of motorsports. The four-time NBA champion is building a team that includes some impressive talent. Munnings, who secured three podium finishes during the inaugural season of the E1 Series, is notable for becoming the United Kingdom's first female Red Bull motorsports athlete and an FIA European Rally Championship Ladies' Trophy winner. Wyatt was awarded Rookie of the Year at the F1H20 UIM World Championship in 2024.
Here's how James shared his excitement about the project in a Forbes interview with Bill Springer, stating, "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." He continued, "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."
What's interesting is Wyatt has yet to meet LeBron in person. Let's be honest, James is busy trying to win championship in LA while being a family man and mogul. Still, Wyatt is hopeful the basketball legend will attend a race in Miami later this season, further emphasizing the growing connection between the world of sports and the electric-powered speed of E1 racing.