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The basketball icon, introducing himself formally in a Charlotte court on Friday, stated that his drive to win and status as a newcomer emboldened his effort with 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over perceived violations of antitrust rules.

Financial Stakes and a Will to Win

Jordan shared financial and corporate details of his racing venture, revealing he put in $40 million of his own funds into the Nascar Cup series team co-founded with partner Polk and driver Hamlin.

“It fell to someone to act,” Jordan stated in the Charlotte courtroom. “As a newcomer, I had no fear. I felt I could challenge Nascar as a whole. From my perspective, the sport required examination from a different view.”

The Core Dispute: Charter Agreements and Contract Pressure

The heart of the case involves the end of a 2016 deal where Nascar granted each team a franchise. This system mirrors other professional sports with independent franchises, such as the Charlotte Hornets or the Carolina Panthers. This deal was due to end in 2024 when Nascar demanded charter membership renewals.

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

Spearheading the Fight

23XI Racing is leading the full-court press along with another racing team for Nascar to change a business model Jordan contended is unlawful to keep two hands on the wheel.

At issue for Jordan and a fellow team representative, who testified before Jordan, are details 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 spanned 112 pages detailing pay for chartered teams and a guaranteed spot in every race.

Choosing Litigation

Jordan explained that his team and its ally decided their only feasible option was to refuse a signature that extensive document and take the issue to court. All other teams agreed to the terms.

The team owners approached Nascar about potential amendments or negotiations. Nascar wasn’t talking, according to his testimony.

The Bottom Line: Winning

But in the end, the pushback against what he saw as a unsustainable system was mostly about the usual bottom line for Jordan: Winning.

“Denny convinced me adding a third car improved our chances to win,” he said, sharing that he purchased another franchise late in 2024 for $28 million despite the uncertainty. “So I took the plunge.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Heather Gibbs detailed her push for indefinite franchises, submitted in a written letter to Nascar. She testified the pressure of the signature deadline didn’t sit well.

She said, the team founder first attempted to call and persuade Nascar against forcing signatures, but CEO Jim France declined the request.

“Don’t do this to us,” Gibbs recounted was the message to Nascar’s executives. She said France replied, “Whether I have 20 charters, that’s what I have. If there are 30, I have 30.”