LeBron James wows Luanda crowd at E1 Series Grand Prix

NBA legend LeBron James delighted fans in Luanda, Angola, on Sunday as he joined young basketball players during the E1 Series Fan Experience.

James is in Angola with Team AlUla for the latest round of the UIM E1 World Championship, which is making its first appearance in Southern Africa.

The 41-year-old superstar spent time interacting with youngsters on the sidelines before watching them put their skills to the test on the basketball court.

James is one of the most decorated players in NBA history and became the league’s all-time leading scorer after surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 2023.

The four-time NBA champion has won titles with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.

James Enters 24th NBA Season

Away from the water, James is preparing for another historic chapter in his basketball career.

The veteran recently signed with the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2026/27 NBA season, which will mark his 24th campaign in the league.

His appearance in Luanda comes as the E1 championship continues to expand its global reach.

Now in its third season, the E1 Series is staging its first race in Southern Africa and only its second event on the African continent after making its debut in Lagos in 2025.

Star-Studded E1 Ownership

The championship has attracted a host of high-profile owners from the worlds of sport and entertainment.

Among them are American football icon Tom Brady, tennis great Rafael Nadal, Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli, former Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba and Hollywood actor Will Smith, who was also present in Luanda.

Team Brady has dominated the championship so far, winning the first two seasons in 2024 and 2025.

The team is once again leading the standings this season, with pilots Emma Kimiläinen and Sam Coleman sharing driving duties.

How the E1 Series Works

The E1 Series is an all-electric powerboat championship featuring futuristic RaceBird boats competing on short, technical circuits positioned close to shore.

Each team fields two pilots — one male and one female — who share driving responsibilities throughout the race weekend.

The boats are designed to combine speed, agility and close-quarters racing, creating an action-packed format for spectators.

Qualifying determines the starting order before a sequence of heats and knockout races whittles down the field and decides which teams will advance to the final.

With its combination of electric technology, elite sporting names and high-speed racing, E1 is continuing to build its profile around the world — with James’ appearance adding another major name to the championship’s growing global appeal.