Michael Jordan approached his legal fight with NASCAR the same way he approached competition throughout his career.
All in.
Speaking during an interview with Gayle King on “CBS Mornings,” Jordan outlined why he backed a lawsuit challenging NASCAR’s business structure and what led him to take that step after years of involvement in the sport.
Why Michael Jordan Took on NASCAR
Jordan, who co-owns 23XI Racing alongside driver Denny Hamlin, said his concerns developed over time as he gained a deeper understanding of how the sport operates.
“When I got into the sport obviously a lot — as I learned, there was a lot of things that I wasn’t really happy about,” Jordan said.
“This sport was not set up for success long term for the individuals that’s involved in the sport.”
The lawsuit, filed in October 2024 by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, challenged NASCAR’s charter system — a model introduced in 2016 that guarantees select teams entry into every Cup Series race while also shaping how revenue is distributed.
Jordan made clear the decision was not sudden.
“I’ve been involved in NASCAR. I’ve been a supporter for NASCAR for a long period of time,” he said. “It’s not like I just woke up and said, ‘You know what? I’m going to go and attack NASCAR.’”
What the Lawsuit Means for the Sport
At the center of the case was a broader issue around how value is shared across the sport.
Jordan was direct in how he viewed that balance.
“[NASCAR executives] were making a good living. And the people that were putting on the show was not getting the type of recognition,” he said.
The antitrust case led to a settlement in December 2025 that introduced revised charter terms and improved long-term stability for teams. While financial details were not publicly disclosed, the agreement marked a meaningful structural update to the system.
Jim France said the changes were designed to support the sport’s future.
“This outcome gives all parties the flexibility and confidence to continue delivering unforgettable racing moments for our fans,” France said in a statement.
Jordan’s comments in the interview emphasized that his decision to support the lawsuit came after evaluating the long-term outlook for teams within the current system.
23XI Racing Backing It Up on Track
While the legal battle played out off the track, 23XI Racing has delivered one of the strongest starts in the NASCAR Cup Series this season.
The team has won four of the first six races, including a victory in the Daytona 500, positioning itself as an early championship contender.
GettyMichael Jordan interacts with Tyler Reddick after his Darlington win.
That performance has further elevated Jordan’s influence within the sport.
Since launching in 2021, 23XI Racing has grown into a consistent front-running organization, combining competitive results with a willingness to challenge the status quo.
A Defining Moment for NASCAR’s Future
Jordan’s comments provide a clearer window into the thinking behind one of the most significant legal challenges NASCAR has faced in recent years.
They also reinforce a broader point. This was not just about one team. It was about the structure of the sport itself.
And for Jordan, the approach was clear from the start. He was all in.
Michael Jordan Says He Was ‘All In’ on NASCAR Lawsuit