Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan delivered a rare public interview during Sunday's Daytona 500, reflecting on his bitter courtroom battle with NASCAR and expressing hope for a positive new chapter in motorsport. The owner of the 23XI NASCAR team spoke candidly about the antitrust lawsuit that was settled last December after eight intense days in a North Carolina courtroom.
A Legal Battle Concludes
Jordan served as the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit that accused NASCAR of operating as a "monopolistic bully." The case centered on the sport's charter system, which functions similarly to franchise models in other professional leagues. Since its implementation in 2016, the system has guaranteed 36 teams a spot in every premier Cup Series race and a fixed share of revenue streams.
However, teams had argued for over two years that these charters needed to be made permanent—previously, NASCAR held the power to revoke them—and that revenue sharing arrangements required significant reform. Jordan testified early in the trial, leveraging his status as a relatively new team owner whose 23XI team launched in 2021, stating he felt empowered to challenge NASCAR's established practices.
Settlement and New Beginnings
The eight-day trial proved challenging for NASCAR, with its defense seemingly more focused on mitigating potential damages than disproving antitrust violations. Ultimately, the organization conceded, granting all teams the permanent charters they had sought. This settlement marked a pivotal victory for team owners and reshaped the sport's financial landscape.
Speaking to Fox during the Daytona 500 broadcast—a platform he seldom engages with—Jordan emphasized the necessity of the conflict. "The thing is that both sides had been somewhat at a stalemate and we both needed to have conversations about change, about how we can grow this sport," he explained. "Unfortunately we had to go through what we had to go through last summer. But I think coming out of that we have a much better appreciation for each other and I think it opens up conversations amongst each other to continue to grow the game."
Focus on Fans and Future
Jordan also highlighted the critical role of NASCAR's fanbase in driving the sport forward. "Don't forget about the fans. The fans make this game so enjoyable to watch," he noted. "As much as we can listen, change, please the fans, please the teams and continually grow the sport, I think everybody is going to be ok."
The Daytona 500 held personal significance for Jordan, evoking nostalgic memories of his childhood in North Carolina. "It was a group event - the family would sit there and watch the race," he recalled. "Four hours, five hours, six hours, it doesn't matter, we were going to watch the race. For me to have an opportunity to continue to come back and see a part of this kind of reminds me of being back home in North Carolina, connect with family and watch the race."
Optimism for 23XI Racing
Looking ahead, Jordan expressed optimism for his 23XI team after a challenging 2025 season. As part of the new NASCAR agreement, the team secured a charter, solidifying its place in the Cup Series. "We got a couple of young kids that are learning. We've got a couple of veterans that are going to be up front," Jordan said of his roster. "I think we've got a good team, good leaders and hopefully one of the four - I'll take any one of the four - wins."
He acknowledged the difficulties of endurance racing, particularly at events like the Daytona 500. "I want to see us at the end, all four cars, which is very difficult, especially at a race like this. You just need to avoid the big one. But if we can put ourselves in a good position, that's all I'll ever ask for."
Jordan's remarks underscore a transformative period for NASCAR, driven by legal resolution and a renewed commitment to collaborative growth. His rare public commentary signals a shift from courtroom adversaries to partners in steering the sport toward an exciting and sustainable future.
