From his legendary NBA career to a casual game of table tennis to now his ventures into motorsports, Michael Jordan has always been one of the fiercest competitors no matter what he does. His ownership of 23XI Racing alongside co-owner Denny Hamlin marked a bold step for the six-time NBA champion into NASCAR, blending his drive for success with a passion for diversity in the sport. The team quickly gained attention, with drivers like Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick making headlines on the track. But now, Jordan’s legendary competitive fire faces a test in the court.

What began as a quest to reshape NASCAR’s charter system has turned into a full-blown legal battle. Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing, joined by Front Row Motorsports (FRM), have filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, alleging monopolistic practices in the sport’s charter agreement. But this is no ordinary courtroom clash—it’s a high-stakes drama, complete with personal jabs, powerhouse lawyers, and, of course, Jordan’s iconic, unshakable resolve.

Courtroom sparks and competitive fire in Michael Jordan’s case

As Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi recounted on their podcast The Teardown, the courtroom scene was straight out of a Hollywood movie. “Three big black SUVs pull up, and out comes Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin, Curtis Polk—it looked like a movie poster,” said Bianchi. Once inside, the drama only escalated.

The star of 23XI Racing’s legal team is Jeffrey Kessler, a renowned antitrust attorney known for high-profile sports cases like fighting for NFL free agency and securing equal pay for the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team. Kessler’s team is pushing for an injunction to maintain 23XI’s charter status while the case continues. His courtroom presence did not disappoint. On the other side, however, NASCAR wasn’t backing down, bringing in Gregory Garre, a former U.S. Solicitor General and expert appellate attorney, to bolster its defense.

Both Gluck and Bianchi testified to the venom being spewed by both sides after a while. “The lawyers, they were getting a little bit personal.” said Jeff, which Bianchi backed up, “Oh, there wasn’t just a little, they got real personal that second half of the hearing.” At one point, Kessler aimed at NASCAR’s lawyer with a cutting remark: “I’m going to explain this in terms even YOU can understand.” The jab set the tone for an intense back-and-forth, with Jordan visibly engaged. As Gluck described, Jordan leaned forward, smirking and shaking his head as the NASCAR attorney spoke. “You could see the competitive juices boiling inside him,” Bianchi added.

The lawsuit centers on NASCAR’s charter agreement, which the plaintiffs claim is structured to unfairly monopolize team participation. Charters are critical because they guarantee a team’s spot in every race and provide a share of TV revenue. Without a charter, teams must compete as “open” entries, a precarious position that impacts financial viability.

NASCAR’s charter system has long been a point of contention among teams. Introduced in 2016, it was designed to provide stability for team owners but has faced criticism for limiting opportunities for new teams. According to 23XI Racing and FRM, the system’s current structure stifles competition and violates antitrust laws. The stakes are high for all parties involved. Losing the lawsuit could force NASCAR to overhaul its charter system, potentially opening the sport to new entrants and reshaping its financial ecosystem. For Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, the case is about leveling the playing field and securing their investment in the sport.

The legal battle and its implications

The lawsuit has already prompted concessions from NASCAR. The organization recently removed an anticompetitive clause in its open-team agreement, which had previously barred teams from taking legal action. Kessler praised the change, stating, “This will now allow 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to race as open teams in 2025. My clients will continue their appeal to the 4th Circuit to issue an injunction so they can run as chartered teams and avoid irreparable harm.”

Meanwhile, NASCAR is playing the long game, opposing the plaintiffs’ request for an expedited appeal and favoring a standard schedule that could delay proceedings until March 2025. The timing is critical. Both 23XI and FRM recently made significant investments, including the purchase of a Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) charter. But until NASCAR approves the sale, the deal remains in limbo. NASCAR’s hesitance to greenlight the transfer underscores the tension between the sanctioning body and the teams challenging its authority.

Even as the legal battle unfolds, 23XI Racing is keeping its focus on the future. Co-owner Denny Hamlin acknowledged the uncertainty but expressed hope for a resolution. “There’s certain agreements we’re going to have to navigate, so I hope so,” Hamlin said. For Michael Jordan, the lawsuit is about more than just charters and revenue—it’s a test of his determination to create lasting change in NASCAR. His entry into the sport brought new attention and diversity to an industry often criticized for its exclusivity. Now, he’s fighting to ensure that same spirit of innovation extends to its business practices.

As the case heads toward its next phase, all eyes are on the courtroom—and on Michael Jordan. Whether it’s on the basketball court, in the boardroom, or in federal court, Jordan’s competitive fire has always been his defining trait. With the stakes this high, expect that fire to burn brighter than ever.