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The basketball icon, as he cordially introduced himself in a federal courtroom on Friday, stated that his competitive side and status as a newcomer motivated his push for 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over perceived violations of antitrust rules.

Team Investment and a Will to Win

The owner disclosed operational insights of his 23XI team, saying he put in $40m of his own funds into the Cup Series operation co-founded with business partner Curtis Polk and longtime driver Denny Hamlin.

“Someone had to step forward,” Jordan stated during testimony. “I was a new person, I wasn’t afraid. I felt I could challenge Nascar in its entirety. I felt as far as the sport required examination from a different view.”

The Core Dispute: Franchise System and Renewal Demands

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

Jordan testified for about sixty minutes and exited the courthouse to pandemonium, with fans and media clamoring for a view or a picture of the global icon.

Spearheading the Fight

Jordan’s 23XI is at the forefront of the push along with Front Row Motorsports for Nascar to change a business model Jordan said is breaking the law to maintain excessive control.

At issue for Jordan and a fellow team representative, who testified before Jordan, are events from last September. She recounted a frantic and emotional period where the racing circuit told teams they had to sign a contract extension. The document consists of over a hundred pages detailing pay for chartered teams and a guaranteed spot in Nascar-sponsored races.

A Refusal to Sign

Jordan explained that 23XI and Front Row Motorsports concluded their only feasible option was to refuse a signature that extensive document and litigate the matter. All other teams signed the agreement.

The team owners reached out to Nascar about potential amendments or negotiations. Nascar refused to engage, according to his testimony.

The Bottom Line: Victory

Ultimately, the pushback against what he saw as a unsustainable system was driven by the familiar goal for Jordan: Winning.

“Denny convinced me adding a third car boosted our odds of winning,” he said, sharing that he purchased another franchise late in 2024 for $28m despite the uncertainty. “So I dove in.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Gibbs described her request for permanent charters, which she said a formal letter to Nascar. She testified the pressure of the contract signing demand was problematic.

According to her, Joe Gibbs first attempted to call and persuade Nascar against demanding signatures, but CEO Jim France declined the request.

“Please don’t force this on us,” Gibbs recounted Joe Gibbs told Nascar’s leadership. The response was, “If I wake up and I have 20 charters, I have 20. If there are 30, that’s the number.”