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The basketball icon, introducing himself formally in a federal courtroom on Friday, admitted that his drive to win and novelty within the sport motivated his effort with 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over alleged violations of antitrust rules.

Team Investment and a Will to Win

The owner disclosed operational insights of his 23XI team, saying he invested $40m of his personal wealth into the Nascar Cup series team launched with business partner Curtis Polk and driver Hamlin.

“Someone had to step forward,” Jordan said during testimony. “I was a new person, I had no fear. I felt I could challenge Nascar as a whole. From my perspective, the sport required examination through a new lens.”

The Core Dispute: Charter Agreements and Renewal Demands

At issue is the expiration of a 2016 deal where Nascar granted each team a “charter”. This system mirrors other major leagues with separately owned franchises, such as the Charlotte Hornets or the Carolina Panthers. This deal was set to expire in 2024 when Nascar demanded teams renew their charters.

Jordan testified for an hour and exited the courthouse to a media frenzy, with onlookers and reporters clamoring for a glimpse or a photo of the sports legend.

Leading the Legal Charge

Jordan’s 23XI is at the forefront of the push along with another racing team for Nascar to change a operating model Jordan said is breaking the law to maintain excessive control.

At issue for Jordan and Heather Gibbs, who testified before Jordan, are events from last September. Gibbs described a hectic and tense period where the racing circuit informed teams they had to sign a contract extension. The document spanned 112 pages detailing pay for chartered teams and a guaranteed entry in Nascar-sponsored races.

Choosing Litigation

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

The team owners approached Nascar about potential amendments or extension options. Nascar wasn’t talking, according to his testimony.

The Ultimate Motivation: Victory

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

“Denny convinced me getting a third driver boosted our odds of winning,” he testified, sharing that he purchased another franchise late in 2024 for $28m amid the legal dispute. “So I dove in.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Heather Gibbs detailed her push for indefinite franchises, which she said a written letter to Nascar. She said the pressure of the signature deadline didn’t sit well.

She said, Joe Gibbs first tried to call and persuade Nascar against forcing signatures, but Nascar’s leader declined the request.

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