CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Michael Jordan, the legendary NBA player, took the stand in a pivotal NASCAR antitrust case. He grew up loving stock car racing and now, as co-owner of 23XI Racing, he felt compelled to sue NASCAR for what he believes is a flawed business model that doesn’t support drivers and teams effectively.
Speaking to a packed courtroom, Jordan shared that he wanted to challenge NASCAR. “Someone had to step up,” he explained. He realized that longtime team owners were struggling for change, and he had a fresh perspective. During his hour-long testimony, he voiced his frustration over how NASCAR operates.
His appearance followed intense testimony from Heather Gibbs, daughter-in-law of prominent team owner Joe Gibbs. She described a pressuring situation where teams had to sign a contract extension within just six hours or risk losing revenue guarantees that are crucial for the season. “It felt like a gun to your head,” she said.
These guarantees, called charters, are essential in NASCAR. They ensure a spot in every race and a defined payout. Introduced in 2016, the charter system has been contentious. Despite requests from teams for stability and permanence, NASCAR refused to grant the necessary changes, leading to the legal action.
Jordan’s team and another organization, Front Row Motorsports, were the only ones who chose not to sign the extension. Instead, they filed the antitrust lawsuit, accusing NASCAR of monopolistic practices. Despite ongoing uncertainty, Jordan invested heavily, purchasing a third charter for $28 million in 2024. “I love to win,” he stated. His hope for improvement was met with disappointment during the negotiations.
He emphasized that the revenue split in NASCAR is far lower than other sports, like the NBA, where about 50% goes to players. “We wanted to move closer to that model,” he said. “NASCAR’s approach feels one-sided.”
The stakes are high for teams. Gibbs, who now leads Joe Gibbs Racing after her husband’s passing, expressed her concerns. She described the emotional weight of the negotiations, especially for Joe Gibbs, a Hall of Fame owner, who built the team as a family legacy. Without permanent charters, the viability of teams like JGR is at risk.
Jordan was direct about NASCAR’s leadership. He acknowledged that Jim France has accomplished much for the sport but pushed for more awareness of the drivers’ sacrifices. “The risk is to the drivers and the teams,” Jordan argued. “They deserve recognition.”
This trial is a moment for change in NASCAR. It highlights ongoing tensions between team owners and NASCAR’s management. NASCAR has a unique chance to reconsider its business strategies, especially if it wants to keep its teams secure in the long run.
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