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The basketball icon, as he cordially introduced himself in a Charlotte court on Friday, stated that his drive to win and status as a newcomer emboldened his effort with 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over perceived violations of competition laws.

Financial Stakes and a Will to Win

Jordan shared operational insights of his racing venture, 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.

“It fell to someone to act,” Jordan said in the Charlotte courtroom. “As a newcomer, I wasn’t afraid. 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 Contract Pressure

The heart of the case involves the expiration of a 2016 agreement where Nascar provided each team a franchise. The concept is similar to other major leagues with independent franchises, such as the Charlotte Hornets or the Carolina Panthers. The agreement was due to end in 2024 when Nascar demanded teams renew their charters.

Jordan testified for an hour and left the court to a media frenzy, with fans and media clamoring for a view or a picture of the sports legend.

Leading the Legal Charge

Jordan’s 23XI 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.

At issue for Jordan and a fellow team representative, who preceded Jordan, are events from September 2024. She recounted a hectic and tense six hours where the racing circuit informed teams they must sign a contract extension. The document spanned over a hundred pages outlining team compensation and a guaranteed entry in Nascar-sponsored races.

Choosing Litigation

Jordan explained that his team and its ally concluded their only feasible option was to decline to sign that 112-page package and litigate the matter. The other 13 organizations agreed to the terms.

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

The Bottom Line: Victory

But in the end, the resistance against what he saw as a unsustainable system was driven by the usual bottom line for Jordan: Success.

“Denny convinced me getting a third driver improved our chances to win,” he said, sharing that he bought a third charter late in 2024 for $28 million despite the uncertainty. “So I dove in.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

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

She said, Joe Gibbs first attempted to call and persuade Nascar against demanding signatures, but Nascar’s leader refused the appeal.

“Don’t do this to us,” Gibbs recounted was the message to Nascar’s executives. She said France replied, “If I wake up and I have 20 charters, I have 20. If I have 30, that’s the number.”