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The basketball icon, as he cordially introduced himself in a Charlotte court on Friday, admitted that his competitive side and novelty within the sport emboldened his effort with 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over perceived violations of antitrust rules.

Financial Stakes and a Will to Win

The owner disclosed operational insights of his 23XI team, revealing he invested $40 million of his personal wealth into the Cup Series operation co-founded with partner Polk and driver Hamlin.

“Someone had to step forward,” Jordan stated during testimony. “As a newcomer, I wasn’t afraid. I felt I could challenge Nascar in its entirety. From my perspective, the sport required examination from a different view.”

Central Issue: Charter Agreements and Contract Pressure

At issue is the end of a 2016 deal where Nascar granted each team a franchise. The concept is similar to other professional sports with separately owned franchises, like the Charlotte Hornets or the NFL’s Panthers. This deal was due to end in 2024 when Nascar insisted on charter membership renewals.

Jordan testified for about sixty minutes and left the court to pandemonium, with onlookers and reporters vying for a view or a photo of the global icon.

Leading the Legal Charge

23XI Racing is leading the full-court press along with another racing team for Nascar to change a operating model Jordan said is unlawful to maintain excessive control.

For Jordan and and Heather Gibbs, who testified before Jordan, are events from last September. Gibbs described a frantic and emotional six hours where the racing circuit told teams they had to sign a contract extension. This agreement spanned 112 pages detailing pay for chartered teams and a guaranteed entry in Nascar-sponsored races.

A Refusal to Sign

Jordan explained that 23XI and Front Row Motorsports decided their only feasible option was to refuse a signature that 112-page package and take the issue to court. The other 13 organizations agreed to the terms.

Jordan and co-owner Denny Hamlin approached Nascar about possible changes or extension options. Nascar refused to engage, according to his testimony.

The Bottom Line: Victory

But in the end, the pushback against what he saw as a financially unsustainable model was driven by 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 amid the legal dispute. “So I took the plunge.”

Account from the Gibbs Family

Gibbs described her push for indefinite franchises, which she said a formal letter to Nascar. She testified the timing of the contract signing demand was problematic.

According to her, the team founder first tried to call and persuade Nascar against demanding signatures, but Nascar’s leader declined the request.

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