JUST IN: Michael Jordan expresses his views following the initial hearing for the NASCAR antitrust lawsuit.
Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, expressed his thoughts following the initial hearing for the NASCAR antitrust lawsuit, which centers around the alleged anti-competitive practices within the sport. Speaking candidly, Jordan highlighted the significance of fair competition in motorsports and emphasized that NASCAR, as a major American institution, must ensure that all teams and stakeholders have an equal opportunity to succeed.
“I’ve been in competitive environments my entire life, from basketball to racing,” Jordan stated. “The essence of any sport is fairness. If you’re not providing equal opportunities for all, you’re undermining the spirit of competition. That’s something every athlete, every team owner, and every fan values.”
The lawsuit, filed by several teams and entities, alleges that NASCAR’s governance, its exclusive media deals, and its control over race schedules and sponsorships are suppressing competition and inflating costs for participants, particularly smaller teams. Jordan, who became a co-owner of 23XI Racing in 2020, expressed a vested interest in the case’s outcome, particularly as it relates to the future of his team and the sport as a whole.
“For 23XI Racing, we’re all about competing and making the sport better,” Jordan continued. “I believe in the potential of NASCAR to grow and reach new fans, but that can only happen if the playing field is level.”
While Jordan did not take a position on the specifics of the lawsuit, he reiterated the importance of transparency and accountability in the sport’s governance. “I’m hopeful this process will result in positive changes that will benefit not just the big teams but the entire NASCAR ecosystem,” he concluded, stressing that any improvement to NASCAR’s structure would ultimately help the sport thrive for everyone involved.
