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The basketball icon, as he cordially introduced himself in a Charlotte court on Friday, stated that his competitive side and status as a newcomer motivated his push for 23XI Racing to confront Nascar over alleged violations of competition laws.

Financial Stakes and a Competitive Drive

The owner disclosed financial and corporate details of his 23XI team, revealing he put in $40 million of his personal wealth into the Cup Series operation launched with partner Polk and longtime driver Denny Hamlin.

“It fell to someone to act,” Jordan said during testimony. “I was a new person, I wasn’t afraid. I believed I could take on Nascar in its entirety. From my perspective, the sport required examination from a different view.”

The Core Dispute: Franchise System and Renewal Demands

At issue is the expiration of a 2016 agreement where Nascar provided each team a franchise. This system mirrors other major leagues with independent franchises, like the Charlotte Hornets or the Carolina Panthers. This deal 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 glimpse or a photo of the global icon.

Spearheading the Fight

23XI Racing is leading the full-court press along with another racing team for Nascar to change a business model Jordan said is unlawful 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. Gibbs described a frantic and emotional six hours where the sanctioning body told teams they must sign a contract extension. This agreement spanned 112 pages outlining team compensation and a guaranteed spot in every race.

Choosing Litigation

Jordan said that 23XI and Front Row Motorsports concluded their sole viable path was to refuse a signature that 112-page package and take the issue to court. All other teams agreed to the terms.

The team owners approached Nascar about potential amendments or negotiations. Nascar refused to engage, according to his testimony.

The Ultimate Motivation: Winning

Ultimately, the pushback against what he saw as a financially unsustainable model was mostly about the usual bottom line for Jordan: Winning.

“Hamlin persuaded me adding a third car improved our chances to win,” he said, sharing that he bought a third charter late in 2024 for $28m amid the legal dispute. “So I dove in.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Heather Gibbs detailed her push for indefinite franchises, submitted in a formal letter to Nascar. She testified the pressure of the signature deadline was problematic.

According to her, Joe Gibbs first tried to call and talk Nascar out of demanding signatures, but CEO Jim France declined the request.

“Don’t do this to us,” Gibbs recounted Joe Gibbs told Nascar’s leadership. She said France replied, “Whether I have 20 charters, I have 20. If there are 30, I have 30.”