Michael Jordan
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Michael Jordan's lawsuit sparked radical changes in NASCAR
Michael Jordan may be a newcomer to NASCAR, but the Chicago Bulls icon is already radicalizing the sport.
During a sit-down interview with CBS reporter Gayle King, the six-time NBA champion Jordan detailed how his lawsuit against NASCAR led to a massive change in NASCAR’s pay structure.
Jordan noted that he was willing to be “kicked out” of NASCAR in his fight to increase compensation for race teams.
A snippet of that interview has been released, with Jordan once again confirming his desire to change the sport with the lawsuit.
“When I got into the sport, as I learned, there were a lot of things I wasn’t really happy about,” explained Jordan. “The sport was not set up for success, long-term, for the individuals who were involved in the sport. Now, up top, yeah, they were making a good living. And the people that were putting on the show were not getting the type of recognition — or were compensated fairly.”
Jordan officially entered NASCAR as a majority team owner on September 21, 2020, announcing the formation of 23XI Racing. Partnering with driver Denny Hamlin, Jordan launched the team for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season. NASCAR legend Bubba Wallace was the team’s first driver, purchasing a charter from Germain Racing.
Once the Bulls legend acclimated to NASCAR, he quickly realized that a reform in payment structure was needed.
Instead of the drivers that risk life and limb on the oval, race team owners were cashing in big after each race.
Jordan made it his mission to narrow the wage gap.
“Someone had to step forward to challenge NASCAR,” said Jordan, a co-owner of 23XI Racing.
Michael Jordan Settlement is a Huge Win For NASCAR
Michael Jordan
GettyMichael Jordan risked his team ownership to narrow wage gap in NASCAR
The former MVP told Gayle King that he knew his lawsuit against NASCAR and its controlling executives could cost him a spot among NASCAR ownership. Still, he pressed forward to improve compensation for race teams.
“We needed changes,” Jordan said. “Even if I get kicked out of the sport. Even if I lose the lawsuit, I’m going to wake some people up. And help some people to understand that what they are doing is wrong.”
Jordan said NASCAR needs to be run more like the NBA, with a mutually beneficial partnership between the league and its teams.
Before the lawsuit, drivers raced with no insurance or a union protecting them. They also received pennies on the dollar for what they helped generate for television networks.
The case reached trial in December 2025 in Charlotte. After eight days of testimony — including Jordan taking the stand — the parties settled on Dec. 11. The agreement delivered permanent “evergreen” charters for all teams and, notably, improved revenue distribution.
Under the new charter rules, each NASCAR racecar will be worth roughly $60 million more than before. Plus, drivers and team owners will have a stronger voice in future decisions.
Jordan’s 23XI Racing Can’t Stop Winning
Michael Jordan
Getty23XI Racing won the 2026 Daytona 500
Now that the lawsuit is settled, Jordan can return his focus to winning on the track, not just the courtroom.
Jordan’s 23XI racing team has been on a tear lately.
Tyler Reddick, a driver for 23XI Racing, secured his fourth NASCAR Cup Series win in just six races in 2026, including a statement victory in the Daytona 500.
His win marked his first victory in the “Great American Race” and the first for 23XI Racing.