LeBron James spotlights Angola as E1 World Championship makes historic African debut

It is difficult to imagine an electric powerboat series capturing the attention of an Angolan audience for whom football and basketball reign supreme, but the presence of NBA icon LeBron James certainly helped.

The 41-year-old was among the elite gathering in Luanda as the E1 World Championship made its inaugural appearance in southern Africa over the weekend, following its continental debut in Lagos, Nigeria, the previous year.

“It is not a short journey, but he [LeBron] is here because he believes in our mission,” E1 chief executive Jamie Copas told BBC Sport Africa in the Angolan capital.

“You cannot underestimate its value. These celebrity owners arrive with massive followings.”

James, alongside sports stars Rafa Nadal, Tom Brady, Didier Drogba, and Virat Kohli, as well as actor Will Smith, became an E1 team owner after investing in the series.

Much like Formula E on land, the series aims to blend athletic competition with a strong emphasis on sustainability and green technology.

James stated that Angola made his first visit to the country incredibly welcoming, following his trip to the National Museum of Slavery.

“Obviously, there is a tremendous amount of history here,” the newly signed Philadelphia 76ers player told local media.

“A great deal of history that extends beyond the country’s borders and resonates across America,” he added.

Angola’s men are reigning African basketball champions, having secured a record-extending 12th continental title on home soil the previous year. Unsurprisingly, spectators at the E1 race held at the Clube Naval de Luanda clamored for a glimpse of one of basketball’s most iconic figures.

Journalist Omar Prata, covering the event for the Jornal de Angola, admitted that E1 was not on his radar until Hollywood star Will Smith, whose Westbrook Racing team is sponsored by Visit Angola, announced in March that an agreement had been reached to race in Luanda for the next three years.

“I see the potential it holds to put the city on the map at a time when the government is actively working to boost tourism,” Prata noted.

“And of course, having LeBron James here means a great deal to us. Angolans have seen him on television, they try to emulate him on their street courts, and they proudly display his posters,” Prata explained.

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