Michael Jordan has a massive business empire. But behind the numbers and wealth, it has always been his sheer hard work and talent. While some tend to forget, instances such as the recent one involving the NASCAR star show just how competitive he is. Be it his game in the past or business, the sentiment hasn’t changed after all these years. And so, there’s nothing wrong with the businessman worth $3.5 billion to indulge in some splurges. After his recent trip, he flaunted his $109,890 million worth creation.

Just a few days ago, we saw Jordan smiling as he posed for photos with a customs officer at an airport on his way to St. Lucia. Now, a special post by the famed watchmakers Jacob & Co., featuring Jordan, has been making the rounds. The Chicago Bulls legend is holding a champion dial from the watchmakers. Why is it special?

In the picture, he held the Epic X Tourbillon. This edition stands out because Jacob & Co. limited it to 125 pieces. The brand collaborated with FC Barcelona – valued at $5.6 billion per Forbes – to create it

To commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Catalonia club, the watch features the club’s crest across the red, yellow, and blue lines on the dial. The words “FC Barcelona” and “125 Years” are also inscribed on it. The caseback features a special “Barça” print, and the watch itself has 100 meters of water resistance.

It’s unknown whether the brand gifted it to him or he bought it. “Michael Jordan, a living legend, embraces the Epic X Tourbillon FC Barcelona — a true reflection of both sportsmanship and craftsmanship,” the brand captioned the post. Who else but MJ to be in possession of such a rare item? This isn’t the only expensive thing the man owns. And the answer to the ever-present “how” lies in his ethics. Recently, Bubba Wallace revealed the mentality that defines who Jordan is.

Wallace drives 23XI Racing, the team owned by MJ. The 31-year-old finished third last time out at Martinsville. Back in Miami, he was very close to winning but ended up with third place. Speaking of these close chances, he revealed what Jordan texts him after the races.

“MJ is more of the mental piece of it…After every race, it’s ‘good race’ or ‘tough luck’, but he’s always a glass half full. I think everybody at Airspeed [23XI’s shop] knows that MJ is invested mentally…Being a part of this sport in the fashion that he is, it brings a lot of joy to the people that show up at work at 7 am each and every day. I think that’s important to have,” he told FOX Sports’ Kevin Harvick. 

It seems MJ really makes a point to support his team, and it’s very important during this crucial time.

Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing gets countersued by NASCAR

In October 2024, 23XI Racing – co-owned by Michael Jordan, his longtime business associate Curtis Polk, and driver Denny Hamlin – alongside Front Row Motorsports, initiated legal action against NASCAR and its Chairman, Jim France. The lawsuit alleged that NASCAR had unlawfully maintained a monopoly over top-tier stock car racing in the U.S.. The allegations suggested a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

The dispute centers on NASCAR’s charter system, established in 2016 to provide teams with a form of equity and guaranteed entry into races. In September 2024, NASCAR presented new charter agreements, which 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports declined to sign, citing concerns over fairness and competition. They argued that the terms were restrictive and favored NASCAR’s control over the teams.

In response, NASCAR filed a countersuit in March 2025. The countersuit accused 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and Curtis Polk of orchestrating anti-competitive behavior. It also claims that Polk led efforts to “blow up” the charter system for financial gain, alleging that he organized a boycott and made threats to disrupt NASCAR’s operations.

NASCAR’s attorney, Christopher Yates, criticized Polk’s involvement, suggesting that Polk lacked a comprehensive understanding of NASCAR’s business model. This prompted a strong response from Michael Jordan, who, through a spokesperson, stated, “Curtis and MJ stand united. His perspective is if you are coming after Curtis, you are coming after him. He doesn’t look at this as just business. It’s personal.”

Unless they reach a settlement beforehand, the court will hold the trial in December 2025. As the case progresses, it underscores the ongoing tensions between NASCAR’s governing body and its teams regarding control, revenue distribution, and the sport’s competitiveness.​