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The basketball icon, as he cordially introduced himself in a federal courtroom on Friday, admitted that his drive to win and novelty within the sport motivated his push for 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over perceived violations of competition laws.

Team Investment and a Will to Win

The owner disclosed financial and corporate details of his 23XI team, revealing he put in $40m of his personal wealth into the Cup Series operation co-founded with partner Polk and longtime driver Denny Hamlin.

“It fell to someone to act,” Jordan stated during testimony. “I was a new person, I had no fear. I felt I could challenge Nascar in its entirety. From my perspective, the sport it needed to be looked at from a different view.”

Central Issue: Franchise System and Renewal Demands

At issue is the end of a 2016 deal where Nascar provided each team a franchise. This system mirrors other major leagues with independent franchises, like the Charlotte Hornets or the NFL’s Panthers. This deal was due to end in 2024 when Nascar demanded teams renew their charters.

Jordan was on the witness stand for an hour and exited the courthouse to a media frenzy, with fans and media clamoring for a glimpse or a picture of the global icon.

Leading the Legal Charge

Jordan’s 23XI is leading the full-court press along with another racing team for Nascar to overhaul a operating model Jordan said is unlawful to keep two hands on the wheel.

At issue for Jordan and Heather Gibbs, who testified before Jordan, are details from last September. She recounted a frantic and emotional period where the racing circuit told teams they had to sign a contract extension. The document spanned 112 pages outlining team compensation and a guaranteed entry in every race.

A Refusal to Sign

Jordan explained that his team and its ally concluded their only feasible option was to decline to sign that 112-page package and litigate the matter. All other teams signed the agreement.

Jordan and co-owner Denny Hamlin approached Nascar about possible changes or extension options. Nascar wasn’t talking, according to his testimony.

The Bottom Line: Winning

Ultimately, the resistance against what he saw as a unsustainable system was driven by the familiar goal for Jordan: Success.

“Denny convinced me adding a third car boosted our odds of winning,” he said, sharing that he bought a third charter last year for $28 million despite the uncertainty. “So I took the plunge.”

Account from the Gibbs Family

Gibbs described her request for permanent charters, submitted in a written letter to Nascar. She said the timing of the contract signing demand didn’t sit well.

She said, Joe Gibbs first attempted to call and persuade Nascar against demanding signatures, but Nascar’s leader refused the appeal.

“Please don’t force this on us,” Gibbs recounted was the message to Nascar’s executives. She said France replied, “Whether I have 20 charters, that’s what I have. If I have 30, that’s the number.”