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The basketball icon, as he cordially introduced himself in a federal courtroom on Friday, admitted that his drive to win and status as a newcomer emboldened his push for 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over perceived violations of antitrust rules.

Financial Stakes and a Competitive Drive

Jordan shared operational insights of his 23XI team, saying he invested $40 million of his own funds into the Cup Series operation launched with partner Polk and longtime driver Denny Hamlin.

“It fell to someone to act,” Jordan stated during testimony. “I was a new person, I had no fear. I felt I could challenge Nascar in its entirety. From my perspective, the sport required examination from a different view.”

Central Issue: Franchise System and Renewal Demands

At issue is the end of a 2016 agreement where Nascar granted each team a “charter”. This system mirrors other professional sports with separately owned franchises, like the NBA’s Hornets or the NFL’s Panthers. The agreement was set to expire in 2024 when Nascar insisted on charter membership renewals.

Jordan was on the witness stand for about sixty minutes and left the court to a media frenzy, with onlookers and reporters vying for a view or a picture of the global icon.

Spearheading the Fight

Jordan’s 23XI is leading the full-court press along with another racing team for Nascar to change a business model Jordan contended is breaking the law to keep two hands on the wheel.

At issue for Jordan and a fellow team representative, who testified before Jordan, are events from last September. She recounted a hectic and tense six hours where the racing circuit told teams they must sign a charter agreement extension. This agreement consists of over a hundred pages outlining pay for chartered teams and a guaranteed spot in Nascar-sponsored races.

Choosing Litigation

Jordan explained that his team and its ally concluded their only feasible option was to refuse a signature that 112-page package and litigate the matter. The other 13 organizations signed the agreement.

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: Winning

Ultimately, the pushback against what he saw as a unsustainable system was mostly about the familiar goal for Jordan: Success.

“Hamlin persuaded me adding a third car improved our chances to win,” he testified, noting that he purchased another franchise late in 2024 for $28m amid the legal dispute. “So I took the plunge.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Heather Gibbs detailed her push for indefinite franchises, submitted in a formal letter to Nascar. She testified the timing of the contract signing demand was problematic.

She said, Joe Gibbs first tried to call and talk Nascar out of demanding signatures, but Nascar’s leader declined the request.

“Please don’t force this on us,” Heather Gibbs said was the message to Nascar’s executives. She said France replied, “If I wake up and I have 20 charters, I have 20. If there are 30, that’s the number.”