NASCAR antitrust trial: Michael Jordan 23XI Racing team goes to court
- - NASCAR antitrust trial: Michael Jordan 23XI Racing team goes to court
Josh Peter, USA TODAY December 1, 2025 at 6:53 AM
0
Michael Jordan appears to be headed to court.
An antitrust lawsuit filed by Jordan’s 23XI Racing team against NASCAR, the major sanctioning body for pro stock car racing and owned by the France family, is set to go to trial on Monday, Dec. 1.
There are potentially far-reaching repercussions, too, barring a last-minute settlement before proceedings begin in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.
The presiding judge, Kenneth D. Bell, said in June, "I am once again amazed at the effort going on to burn this house down over everyone's head but I’m a fire marshal and I'll be here in December if need be."
And so December has arrived.
(L-R) Charlotte Bobcats President Fred Whitfield and NBA legend Michael Jordan greet Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet, prior to the NASCAR Nextel Open on May 19, 2007 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Michael Jordan signs his autograph on a pair of shoes for Earnhardt.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RjJ6Y_a5uRRIivAHRyhfXw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NTM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5c2a04ed848aced7db1a040927edf157 class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
(L-R) Charlotte Bobcats President Fred Whitfield and NBA legend Michael Jordan greet Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet, prior to the NASCAR Nextel Open on May 19, 2007 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Michael Jordan signs his autograph on a pair of shoes for Earnhardt.
">(L-R) Charlotte Bobcats President Fred Whitfield and NBA legend Michael Jordan greet Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet, prior to the NASCAR Nextel Open on May 19, 2007 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Michael Jordan signs his autograph on a pair of shoes for Earnhardt.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RjJ6Y_a5uRRIivAHRyhfXw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NTM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5c2a04ed848aced7db1a040927edf157 class=caas-img>Michael Jordan greets fans prior to the start of the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 19, 2007.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/by5srtRcTGZarxnCR4osow--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/af4aeab1024821c05ddfd624ba74b255 class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
Michael Jordan greets fans prior to the start of the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 19, 2007.
">Michael Jordan greets fans prior to the start of the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 19, 2007.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/by5srtRcTGZarxnCR4osow--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/af4aeab1024821c05ddfd624ba74b255 class=caas-img>Michael Jordon high-fives the crowd during pre-race ceremonies prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 22, 2010 in Concord, North Carolina.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2Ki6CY5PMS7qI.uoHZ4CwA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/29889e6f1ef4f2c37a8e4d4b3296370b class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
Michael Jordon high-fives the crowd during pre-race ceremonies prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 22, 2010 in Concord, North Carolina.
">Michael Jordon high-fives the crowd during pre-race ceremonies prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 22, 2010 in Concord, North Carolina.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2Ki6CY5PMS7qI.uoHZ4CwA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/29889e6f1ef4f2c37a8e4d4b3296370b class=caas-img>NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, speaks to a crew member in the No. 23 DoorDash Toyota pit area prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on June 6, 2021 in Sonoma, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/g.MQX5FRSXy7JL6_8DU5nw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ce3d834bbd025eff7d6751d83a2eba3a class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, speaks to a crew member in the No. 23 DoorDash Toyota pit area prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on June 6, 2021 in Sonoma, California.
">NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, speaks to a crew member in the No. 23 DoorDash Toyota pit area prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on June 6, 2021 in Sonoma, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/g.MQX5FRSXy7JL6_8DU5nw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ce3d834bbd025eff7d6751d83a2eba3a class=caas-img>NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on from the 23XI Racing pit box prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Pocono Organics CBD 325 at Pocono Raceway on June 26, 2021 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ohn2FpjX5O8prNLxWL997w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/793961054d8706a5b6e5bacdd37121df class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on from the 23XI Racing pit box prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Pocono Organics CBD 325 at Pocono Raceway on June 26, 2021 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.
">NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on from the 23XI Racing pit box prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Pocono Organics CBD 325 at Pocono Raceway on June 26, 2021 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ohn2FpjX5O8prNLxWL997w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/793961054d8706a5b6e5bacdd37121df class=caas-img>NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on from the 23XI Racing pit box during the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on Aug. 8, 2021 in Watkins Glen, New York.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QSMx5xHBcIWFFeH4mfHRJw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3824af5aa699560d8ef17f4259418de4 class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on from the 23XI Racing pit box during the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on Aug. 8, 2021 in Watkins Glen, New York.
">NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on from the 23XI Racing pit box during the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on Aug. 8, 2021 in Watkins Glen, New York.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QSMx5xHBcIWFFeH4mfHRJw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3824af5aa699560d8ef17f4259418de4 class=caas-img>
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick's paint job with colors from UNC and sponsor Michael Jordan during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 29, 2023 in Concord, North Carolina.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/c3I3AuLlGpmwq8odDC8drA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/613d752905dad1a67b9c95871f8a458a class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick's paint job with colors from UNC and sponsor Michael Jordan during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 29, 2023 in Concord, North Carolina.
">NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick's paint job with colors from UNC and sponsor Michael Jordan during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 29, 2023 in Concord, North Carolina.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/c3I3AuLlGpmwq8odDC8drA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/613d752905dad1a67b9c95871f8a458a class=caas-img>Team 23XI Racing owner Michael Jordan looks on from pit road during qualifying before the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 24, 2023.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/A9XObiIHlTRupkhuGPy7xA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/629c49804b0280ab1494bdffbecaea0f class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
Team 23XI Racing owner Michael Jordan looks on from pit road during qualifying before the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 24, 2023.
">Team 23XI Racing owner Michael Jordan looks on from pit road during qualifying before the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 24, 2023.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/A9XObiIHlTRupkhuGPy7xA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/629c49804b0280ab1494bdffbecaea0f class=caas-img>Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing (R), crew chief Robert Barker (C) and former NFL player Dwight Freeney talk on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 24, 2023 in Lebanon, Tennessee.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xIW3hH4X2v1S6LiFVuKDNQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/96143d1359027880243d33ce673ff12f class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing (R), crew chief Robert Barker (C) and former NFL player Dwight Freeney talk on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 24, 2023 in Lebanon, Tennessee.
">Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing (R), crew chief Robert Barker (C) and former NFL player Dwight Freeney talk on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 24, 2023 in Lebanon, Tennessee.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xIW3hH4X2v1S6LiFVuKDNQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/96143d1359027880243d33ce673ff12f class=caas-img>Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, speaks to Bubba Wallace, driver of the No. 23 DoorDash Toyota, and Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Jordan Brand Toyota, on the grid during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 14, 2023 in Las Vegas.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rJra.L9yJL1_VBTb6x_Vrw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d3efcaa4cfc4bc5b6b41cb3772f3f398 class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, speaks to Bubba Wallace, driver of the No. 23 DoorDash Toyota, and Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Jordan Brand Toyota, on the grid during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 14, 2023 in Las Vegas.
">Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, speaks to Bubba Wallace, driver of the No. 23 DoorDash Toyota, and Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Jordan Brand Toyota, on the grid during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 14, 2023 in Las Vegas.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rJra.L9yJL1_VBTb6x_Vrw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d3efcaa4cfc4bc5b6b41cb3772f3f398 class=caas-img>NASCAR Cup Series Team 23XI owner Michael Jordan watches a video board as NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) races during the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0UJY3ZequxtWsXyhmmJOpQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b645dfb95bd6d72e69d2e83edc07a9b7 class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
NASCAR Cup Series Team 23XI owner Michael Jordan watches a video board as NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) races during the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina.
">NASCAR Cup Series Team 23XI owner Michael Jordan watches a video board as NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) races during the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0UJY3ZequxtWsXyhmmJOpQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b645dfb95bd6d72e69d2e83edc07a9b7 class=caas-img>Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2wI_b7K065Yxwejq86pizw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1e2207beba4e1917ddaa9310a47ae87c class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina.
">Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2wI_b7K065Yxwejq86pizw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1e2207beba4e1917ddaa9310a47ae87c class=caas-img>The 2024 regular season champion, Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Upper Deck Toyota, poses with 23XI Racing's Curtis Polk, Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan after the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.Ez8cLKy976NLPegtigKDg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mzc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/01100cc9194847cb2816c2bd79d93545 class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
The 2024 regular season champion, Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Upper Deck Toyota, poses with 23XI Racing's Curtis Polk, Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan after the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina.
">The 2024 regular season champion, Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Upper Deck Toyota, poses with 23XI Racing's Curtis Polk, Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan after the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.Ez8cLKy976NLPegtigKDg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mzc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/01100cc9194847cb2816c2bd79d93545 class=caas-img>Co-owners of 23XI Racing, Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 FedEx One Rate Toyota, and NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan talk on the grid after the NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 6, 2024 in Talladega, Alabama.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Pc3Mu7YH8_Ytfr_teIPnTg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ca930356ea57d9aab401f40269ba6e55 class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
Co-owners of 23XI Racing, Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 FedEx One Rate Toyota, and NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan talk on the grid after the NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 6, 2024 in Talladega, Alabama.
">Co-owners of 23XI Racing, Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 FedEx One Rate Toyota, and NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan talk on the grid after the NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 6, 2024 in Talladega, Alabama.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Pc3Mu7YH8_Ytfr_teIPnTg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ca930356ea57d9aab401f40269ba6e55 class=caas-img>Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZGx7z2K9JcQSu_bjWbi1GA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/be1efb064feb3a6e210c5fcdd38f7d2f class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.
">Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZGx7z2K9JcQSu_bjWbi1GA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/be1efb064feb3a6e210c5fcdd38f7d2f class=caas-img>Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, and Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 The Beast Killer Sunrise Toyota, celebrate after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/L2PfkSN66K.N5E_U6RkaYA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/51d49e7ce3f6202acecff20699be6d23 class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, and Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 The Beast Killer Sunrise Toyota, celebrate after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.
">Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, and Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 The Beast Killer Sunrise Toyota, celebrate after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/L2PfkSN66K.N5E_U6RkaYA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/51d49e7ce3f6202acecff20699be6d23 class=caas-img>Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing speaks, to Ryan Blaney, driver of the No. 12 Menards/Richmond Water Heaters Ford, after the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/f6VAYiJlk3ghGwqwxzhwag--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/63f3f48e07a1a4d2bcae6d3d8b1703ce class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing speaks, to Ryan Blaney, driver of the No. 12 Menards/Richmond Water Heaters Ford, after the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.
">Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing speaks, to Ryan Blaney, driver of the No. 12 Menards/Richmond Water Heaters Ford, after the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/f6VAYiJlk3ghGwqwxzhwag--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/63f3f48e07a1a4d2bcae6d3d8b1703ce class=caas-img>Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 10, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xlP4K0iT6GTRtppDK146.g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/df7a6cc95cff48ed69a7bf59e4927537 class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 10, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona.
">Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 10, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xlP4K0iT6GTRtppDK146.g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/df7a6cc95cff48ed69a7bf59e4927537 class=caas-img>23XI Raching team owner Michael Jordan watches Tyler Reddick during the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on April 6, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UyLvGrD10LzFCiipPbcMcA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5f0d31119c9770325d38828f9600be61 class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
23XI Raching team owner Michael Jordan watches Tyler Reddick during the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on April 6, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina.
">23XI Raching team owner Michael Jordan watches Tyler Reddick during the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on April 6, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UyLvGrD10LzFCiipPbcMcA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5f0d31119c9770325d38828f9600be61 class=caas-img>Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Aug. 31, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KwDtkuCrRSQwwUrNGOwT7w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/07ce25e4fec3416a9be73d2059ae8b09 class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Aug. 31, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina.
">Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Aug. 31, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KwDtkuCrRSQwwUrNGOwT7w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/07ce25e4fec3416a9be73d2059ae8b09 class=caas-img>Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, listens to the race on pit road during the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 5, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Td86IEvue6QqhjUxNxMV1A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3bd3d9ebbdb6445c8840d513272f8c82 class=caas-img data-headline="Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races" data-caption="
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, listens to the race on pit road during the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 5, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina.
">Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, listens to the race on pit road during the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 5, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Td86IEvue6QqhjUxNxMV1A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3bd3d9ebbdb6445c8840d513272f8c82 class=caas-img>
1 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
(L-R) Charlotte Bobcats President Fred Whitfield and NBA legend Michael Jordan greet Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet, prior to the NASCAR Nextel Open on May 19, 2007 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Michael Jordan signs his autograph on a pair of shoes for Earnhardt.
What is the NASCAR antitrust lawsuit?
The lawsuit accuses NASCAR of restraining fair competition and violating the Sherman Antitrust Act, preventing teams from competing "without accepting the anticompetitive terms" it dictates. Filed in 2024, the lawsuit also asserts the "France family and NASCAR are monopolistic bullies."
Jordan has not entered this battle alone. Denny Hamlin, a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, and longtime Jordan business adviser Curtis Polk are co-owners of 23XI Racing, which just completed its fifth season on NASCAR’s Cup Series. Front Row Motorsports, another NASCAR team, is a plaintiff.
The case centers on multimillion-dollar charter agreements, which guarantee teams spots in every race of the Cup Series – the major league of NASCAR – and entitles them to a share of NASCAR’s revenue from sponsorship and media deals.
In a text message that surfaced during court proceedings leading to trial, according to a CBS Sports report, Jordan wrote, "I look forward to going down firing. If I have to fight this to the end for the betterment of the sport, I will do that."
A snapshot of NASCAR finances
Sponsorship deals, race prize money and revenue sharing from TV rights generate money for the teams. Discovery during a trial could produce more details about the cash flow in NASCAR, owned by the France family.
But financial information already is circulating.
In 2023, NASCAR president Steve Phelps said most Cup Series teams were not profitable. Court documents released from the antitrust lawsuit show that NASCAR’s net income dipped to about $100 million in 2024, according to a Fox Sports report.
According to the same Fox Sports report, the teams can earn between $7 million to $18 million a season before sponsorship, but race teams report losing $2.2 million a year per car.
The crux of the case is the charter agreements.
In 2024, NASCAR offered teams a seven-year charter agreement that would increase media revenue and also increase the annual cost of charters to $8.5 million from $5 million.
While there were reported rumblings among NASCAR racing teams that had existing charters, only Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports refused to sign the new contracts.
Take it or leave it is how the antitrust lawsuit characterized NASCAR’s deal.
The court ruled 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports could ride without charters this past season. But losing them at trial could force the teams to compete as "open teams" and create greater difficulty in remaining profitable.
If NASCAR loses the case, it’s unclear how severe the damages could be and how it would impact its ability to run the sport.
'Just getting started'
Jordan, Hamlin and Polk founded 23XI Racing in 2020. The team began racing that next season on the Cup Series with a single car and a single driver, Bubba Wallace.
Five years later, the team has three Cup Series cars and has contended with the most successful teams in NASCAR.
The team's top drivers, Tyler Reddick and Wallace, have won 10 races for 23XI. Reddick has won seven and made the final four of the 2024 playoffs. Both Reddick and Wallace made the playoffs this season but were eliminated in the round of 12.
"As far as I’m concerned, we’re just getting started," Jordan said in October in a statement to USA TODAY Sports.
But with the case looming, 23XI Racing guaranteed its employees pay through 2026 to assuage any concerns.
'Three-dimensional chess'
There’s no Michael Jordan of antitrust attorneys working this case, but they’re both All-Stars.
Jordan and Co. are represented by Jeffrey Kessler, who was the lead attorney for Division I football and basketball players in a successful antitrust challenge against the NCAA. A partner at Winston & Strawn, Kessler also played key roles in a pay discrimination claim by the U.S. Women’s National soccer team.
NASCAR is represented by Christopher Yates, who led a team representing the US Soccer Federation in a restraint of trade verdict that saved the group $1 billion in damages, according to Yates' bio at Latham & Watkins LLP. He’s also representing the UFC in a class-action case brought by fighters.
In multiple cases, the attorneys have represented opposing sides.
"I know some of the tactics and strategies he likes to employ; I’m sure he knows some of the tactics and strategies I’ve employed," Kessler said of Yates in an interview with Bloomberg. "It makes it more of a game of three-dimensional chess for both of us."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NASCAR antitrust trial heads to court: What to know
Source: “AOL Sports”
