Michael Jordan
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Michael Jordan is making his mark in NASCAR
Six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan is making his mark in NASCAR.
His 23XI racing team has won four of six races in 2026, including the Daytona 500, but it’s Jordan’s work off the track that’s been most impactful.
The Basketball Hall of Famer led a lawsuit against NASCAR, seeking to narrow the massive wage gap between race team owners and the drivers who risk life and limb to line their pockets.
During a sit-down interview with CBS reporter Gayle King, the six-time NBA champion Jordan detailed how the lawsuit (and historic settlement in December) led to a massive change in NASCAR’s pay structure.
“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.”
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.
The Chicago Bulls legend took on the responsibility to change that.
“Someone had to step forward to challenge NASCAR,” said Jordan, a co-owner of 23XI Racing.
Michael Jordan Radicalizes NASCAR Payment Structure
Michael Jordan
GettyMichael Jordan radicalized NASCAR pay structure with historic settlement
Knowing that he could be potentially blacklisted from NASCAR, Jordan filed a lawsuit against NASCAR and its controlling executives. Despite the seemingly uphill climb he faced, Jordan believed the cause was worth the fight.
“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 without insurance or a union to protect them. Most importantly, Jordan noted that the drivers were not receiving an adequate share of racing revenue.
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. Additionally, team owners will have a stronger voice in future decisions.
Jordan’s 23XI Racing Has Taken NASCAR by Storm
Michael Jordan
Getty23XI Racing won the 2026 Daytona 500
With the lawsuit now settled, it’s back to business for Jordan and 23XI Racing.
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.
This year, 23XI Racing has been among the best in the sport.
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.
Reddick’s win marked his first victory in the “Great American Race” and the first for 23XI Racing.
The next 23XI Racing NASCAR Cup Series race for the 2026 season is the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway.