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The basketball icon, introducing himself formally in a federal courtroom on Friday, admitted that his drive to win and status as a newcomer motivated his effort with 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over alleged violations of antitrust rules.

Financial Stakes and a Competitive Drive

The owner disclosed financial and corporate details of his 23XI team, saying he put in $40m of his personal wealth into the Cup Series operation launched with business partner Curtis Polk and longtime driver Denny Hamlin.

“Someone had to step forward,” Jordan stated in the Charlotte courtroom. “As a newcomer, I had no fear. I felt I could challenge Nascar in its entirety. From my perspective, the sport required examination through a new lens.”

Central Issue: Charter Agreements and Renewal Demands

At issue is the end of a 2016 deal where Nascar granted each team a franchise. This system mirrors other professional sports with independent franchises, like the NBA’s Hornets or the NFL’s Panthers. The agreement was set to expire in 2024 when Nascar insisted on teams renew their charters.

Jordan was on the witness stand for an hour and exited the courthouse to a media frenzy, with onlookers and reporters clamoring for a view or a picture of the global icon.

Leading the Legal Charge

23XI Racing is at the forefront of the push along with another racing team for Nascar to overhaul a business model Jordan contended is breaking the law to maintain excessive control.

For Jordan and and a fellow team representative, who testified before Jordan, are details from last September. She recounted a frantic and emotional period where the racing circuit told teams they must sign a contract extension. This agreement spanned over a hundred pages detailing pay for chartered teams and a guaranteed spot in Nascar-sponsored races.

Choosing Litigation

Jordan explained that his team and its ally concluded their sole viable path was to decline to sign that extensive document and take the issue to court. All other teams agreed to the terms.

Jordan and co-owner Denny Hamlin approached Nascar about potential amendments or negotiations. Nascar refused to engage, according to his testimony.

The Ultimate Motivation: Victory

But in the end, the resistance against what he saw as a financially unsustainable model was driven by the familiar goal for Jordan: Success.

“Denny convinced me adding a third car improved our chances to win,” he testified, noting that he purchased another franchise late in 2024 for $28m despite the uncertainty. “So I dove in.”

Account from the Gibbs Family

Gibbs described her push for indefinite franchises, submitted in a written letter to Nascar. She said the timing of the signature deadline didn’t sit well.

According to her, the team founder first attempted to call and persuade Nascar against demanding signatures, but CEO Jim France refused the appeal.

“Please don’t force this on us,” Gibbs recounted was the message to Nascar’s leadership. She said France replied, “If I wake up and I have 20 charters, that’s what I have. If there are 30, I have 30.”