Michael Jordan issues one-word response to NASCAR – Sports News
23XI Racing co-owner and NBA legend Michael Jordan issued a blunt one-word response after arriving at court docket for Day 1 of the Cup Series crew’s antitrust trial in opposition to NASCAR. Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s 23XI launched an antitrust lawsuit alongside Front Row Motorsports in October 2024 after refusing to signal up to NASCAR’s constitution settlement.
The groups argue of their federal lawsuit that NASCAR and CEO Jim France run an anti-competitive monopoly that locks groups into inflexible, “take-it-or-leave-it” agreements. They contend that NASCAR’s constitution construction, tight grip on key suppliers, and unique offers with tracks limit groups’ industrial independence and undermine their capability to stay financially viable.
NASCAR has pushed back in opposition to the lawsuit filed by 23XI and FRM, rejecting the declare that its constitution system and business practices represent an illegal monopoly. NASCAR argues that its contractual construction and provider agreements are customary within the game and never designed to stifle competitors or stop groups from working profitably.
NASCAR claims these laws help protect the integrity, security, and viability of its racing operations — and it vowed to defend its business model vigorously in court docket. Over the previous yr, each side have acquired their honest share of wins and losses amid the legal wrestle.
23XI and FRM initially gained a preliminary injunction in December final yr, which allowed them to compete as chartered groups all through the 2025 season. But the legal momentum shifted in June, when the Fourth District Court of Appeals overturned that ruling. By the time the season concluded on November 2 at Phoenix Raceway, each groups had been working as unchartered — or “open” — entries.
Two days later, the decide presiding over the trial, Kenneth D. Bell, struck down NASCAR’s counterclaim, accusing the groups of forming an “illegal cartel” with others to sway constitution negotiations. Bell additionally sided with 23XI and FRM on a key level, granting partial abstract judgment that outlined the related market within the case narrowly as “premier stock car racing.”
Amid the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, Jordan’s 23XI co-owner, Denny Hamlin, got here out swinging forward of the trial, stating “all will be exposed,” earlier than bitterly lacking out on his first championship in Phoenix to Kyle Larson in additional time. Day 1 of “23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports v. NASCAR” began on December 1 at an Uptown Charlotte courtroom.
North Carolina is extensively considered NASCAR’s hub, home to a dense community of race crew headquarters, industry operations, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The State additionally holds personal significance for 23XI co-owner and NBA icon Jordan, who grew up in N.C. and has a minority stake within the Charlotte Hornets. He additionally starred on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the place he turned a family identify with the Tar Heels.
Jordan arrived for Day 1 of the trial suitably dressed and issued a blunt one-word response when requested by a reporter whether or not he believed it might get this far. “Can you believe we’re here?” The Athletic reporter requested Jordan.
“Nope,” Jordan mentioned as he walked up the courthouse’s steps, espresso in hand. The jury course of was accomplished on Monday morning, and opening statements had been scheduled for the afternoon.
Judge Bell was left livid with each events for presenting opening statements that had been “riddled with impermissible arguments.” Bell is identical decide who was assigned to NASCAR famous person Kyle Busch’s lawsuit in opposition to an insurance coverage company, which was revealed final month.
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