Michael Jordan Testifies He ‘Wasn’t Afraid’ of Nascar in Antitrust Trial

The basketball icon, as he cordially introduced himself in a Charlotte court on Friday, stated that his competitive side and status as a newcomer emboldened his effort with 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over perceived violations of competition laws.

Team Investment and a Will to Win

The owner disclosed financial and corporate details of his racing venture, revealing he invested $40m of his personal wealth into the Nascar Cup series team co-founded with partner Polk and driver Hamlin.

“Someone had to step forward,” Jordan stated during testimony. “As a newcomer, I had no fear. I felt I could challenge Nascar in its entirety. From my perspective, the sport it needed to be looked at through a new lens.”

Central Issue: Franchise System and Renewal Demands

The heart of the case involves the end of a 2016 deal where Nascar provided each team a franchise. The concept is similar to other major leagues with separately owned franchises, like the Charlotte Hornets or the Carolina Panthers. This deal was due to end in 2024 when Nascar insisted on charter membership renewals.

Jordan was on the witness stand for about sixty minutes and exited the courthouse to pandemonium, with fans and media vying for a glimpse or a picture of the sports legend.

Leading the Legal Charge

23XI Racing is at the forefront of the push along with another racing team for Nascar to change a operating model Jordan contended is breaking the law to keep two hands on the wheel.

At issue for Jordan and Heather Gibbs, who testified before Jordan, are events from last September. Gibbs described a frantic and emotional six hours where the sanctioning body informed teams they must sign a charter agreement extension. The document consists of 112 pages outlining team compensation and a guaranteed spot in every race.

A Refusal to Sign

Jordan explained that his team and its ally concluded their only feasible option was to decline to sign that 112-page package and litigate the matter. The other 13 organizations signed the agreement.

The team owners reached out to Nascar about possible changes or negotiations. Nascar refused to engage, Jordan said.

The Bottom Line: Victory

But in the end, the pushback against what he saw as a unsustainable system was driven by the usual bottom line for Jordan: Success.

“Hamlin persuaded me adding a third car boosted our odds of winning,” he said, noting that he bought a third charter late in 2024 for $28 million amid the legal dispute. “So I dove in.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Heather Gibbs detailed her push for indefinite franchises, submitted in a formal letter to Nascar. She said the timing of the signature deadline was problematic.

According to her, the team founder first attempted to call and talk Nascar out of demanding signatures, but Nascar’s leader refused the appeal.

“Don’t do this to us,” Heather Gibbs said Joe Gibbs told Nascar’s leadership. The response was, “If I wake up and I have 20 charters, that’s what I have. If there are 30, that’s the number.”