CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Michael Jordan, a figure synonymous with legendary achievements, recently found himself in the spotlight not for his basketball prowess, but for his role in a high-stakes legal battle. The sporting icon took the stand in a federal courthouse, testifying in a significant antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR.
The former NBA superstar, now co-owner of the 23XI racing team, has joined forces with Front Row Motorsports to challenge NASCAR’s business practices. They allege that the stock car racing series engages in monopolistic behavior that unfairly impacts the operations of its racing teams.
“Someone needed to step up and question the status quo,” Jordan told the jury with characteristic calmness. “I felt capable of challenging NASCAR as an entity.”
This courtroom appearance marks a new chapter for the 62-year-old, who is best known for his six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and his successful ventures post-retirement. His involvement in NASCAR, alongside three-time Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin, is symbolized by the team name 23XI—a nod to Jordan’s iconic jersey number and Hamlin’s car number.
Clad in a dark blue suit, Jordan confidently approached the witness stand, adjusting the seat to accommodate his 6-foot-6 stature. Attendees in the crowded courtroom listened intently to his testimony.
Jordan recounted his long-standing passion for NASCAR, reminiscing about attending races as a child. He fondly recalled visits to tracks in Charlotte, Rockingham, South Carolina’s Darlington, and Alabama’s renowned Talladega Superspeedway with his family.
“We called it a weekend vacation,” he said.
There were moments of levity on a dramatic day of testimony that also included Heather Gibbs, the daughter-in-law of team owner and NFL Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs. People were turned away from the courtroom and U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell couldn’t help but notice the high attendance in front of him as well as an overflow room nearby.
“I take it Mr. Jordan is the next witness,” Bell quipped.
Outside the courthouse in downtown Charlotte, a crowd gathered for the first time this week for a chance to see Jordan. One woman screamed “Oh My God, Mike! You are an icon, you the best, you the best to do it in the NBA!” Another claimed to have played golf and cards with Jordan acquaintances while asking Jordan to pose for a photo with his daughters.
Jordan said, “Man, it’s cold out here for you guys,” before complimenting the two girls on their Nike-branded hoodies.
A spectator held a sign that read “NASCAR Your Fans Deserve Better” and Hamlin turned to him and said “You’re right” as they tried to make their way through the throng to a caravan of waiting SUVs.
On the witness stand, Jordan noted he was an early fan of Richard Petty, like his dad. He later gravitated to Cale Yarborough, “the original No. 11. Sorry, Denny,” Jordan testified as Hamlin watched from the gallery.
Jordan was asked to outline his career, noting his time with the Bulls and adding he remains a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets. Did he play anywhere else?
“I try to forget it but I did,” said Jordan, who played for the Washington Wizards in a mostly forgettable return to the NBA after his championship runs with the Bulls and a brief time playing minor league baseball.
But Jordan spent most of his time making clear why he was in court suing the series he loves over the charters that guarantee teams revenue and access to Cup Series races. Among other things, the plaintiffs want the charters made permanent, which NASCAR has balked at.
“Look, we saw the economics wasn’t really beneficial to the teams,” Jordan testified, adding: “The thing I see in NASCAR that I think is absent is a shared responsibility of growth as well as loss.”
As the session wound down, defense attorney Lawrence Buterman noted the novelty of cross-examining an icon like Jordan, closing with the comment: “Thank you for making my 9-year-old think I’m cool today.”
“You’re not wearing any Jordans today,” Jordan replied. When he was dismissed from the stand, he said “whew” and made his way back to the seat in the front row he’s occupied all week.
