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The basketball icon, introducing himself formally in a federal courtroom on Friday, admitted that his competitive side and novelty within the sport motivated his effort with 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over perceived violations of antitrust rules.

Team Investment and a Competitive Drive

Jordan shared financial and corporate details of his racing venture, saying he invested $40 million of his personal wealth into the Cup Series operation co-founded with business partner Curtis Polk and driver Hamlin.

“It fell to someone to act,” Jordan said in the Charlotte courtroom. “As a newcomer, I wasn’t afraid. I believed I could take on Nascar in its entirety. I felt as far as the sport it needed to be looked at from a different view.”

The Core Dispute: Franchise System and Renewal Demands

At issue is the expiration of a 2016 deal where Nascar provided each team a franchise. This system mirrors other major leagues with independent franchises, such as the Charlotte Hornets or the Carolina Panthers. This deal was set to expire in 2024 when Nascar insisted on teams renew their charters.

Jordan testified for an hour and exited the courthouse to pandemonium, with onlookers and reporters vying for a glimpse or a picture of the global icon.

Spearheading the Fight

23XI Racing is leading the full-court press along with Front Row Motorsports for Nascar to change a operating model Jordan contended is unlawful to maintain excessive control.

For Jordan and and a fellow team representative, who testified before Jordan, are events from last September. She recounted a frantic and emotional period where the sanctioning body told teams they had to sign a contract extension. The document spanned 112 pages outlining team compensation and a guaranteed spot in Nascar-sponsored races.

A Refusal to Sign

Jordan explained that his team and its ally decided their only feasible option was to refuse a signature that 112-page package and take the issue to court. The other 13 organizations signed the agreement.

The team owners approached Nascar about possible changes or extension options. Nascar refused to engage, Jordan said.

The Bottom Line: Victory

Ultimately, the resistance against what he saw as a unsustainable system was mostly about the usual bottom line for Jordan: Success.

“Denny convinced 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 despite the uncertainty. “So I took the plunge.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Heather Gibbs detailed her request for permanent charters, which she said a written letter to Nascar. She said the pressure of the contract signing demand didn’t sit well.

She said, the team founder first attempted to call and persuade Nascar against demanding signatures, but Nascar’s leader refused the appeal.

“Please don’t force this on us,” Gibbs recounted Joe Gibbs told Nascar’s leadership. She said France replied, “Whether I have 20 charters, I have 20. If I have 30, that’s the number.”