Just last week, NBA legend Michael Jordan made a bold accusation towards NASCAR operators for being “monopolistic bullies” who serve to line the pockets of the organization’s founding families. Over the weekend, Jordan expressed his confidence in the outcome of his antitrust lawsuit that his time 23XI Racing filed in tandem with Front Row Motorsports.
Jordan told The Athletic, “I wouldn’t have filed it if I didn’t think I could win.” His comments were made during Sunday’s race at Talladega Superspeedway. The lawsuit alleges that NASCAR operates as a monopoly and utilizes “anticompetitive and exclusionary practices” to “enrich themselves at the expense of the premier stock car racing teams.” The issues centered around the lawsuit follow NASCAR’s “charter system” and a final “take-it-or-leave-it” offer the organization offered teams last month to extend their deal. While 13 out of the 15 teams signed the deal, 23XI and Front Row held out. Jordan explained, “We want a fair deal, but this wasn’t fair. I didn’t just file it for me. It’s for everyone.” The lawsuit is a culmination of two years of negotiations between NASCAR and Cup Series teams. The current franchise-like system gives teams certain monetary guarantees that include a percentage of revenue distributed to teams through NASCAR’s recently announced media rights deal that extends through 2031.
In a previous statement, Jordan said, “Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor and that will to win is what drives me and the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track. I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors and fans. Today’s action shows I’m willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.” After news broke of Jordan’s lawsuit against NASCAR, the tone was set amongst the teams. One team owner even said, “I’ve been waiting on this. This is going to be wild.”
At this moment, NASCAR has not commented on the lawsuit or about 23XI and Front Row not resigning. When approached on Sunday, NASCAR chairman and CEO Jim France said, “Excited about our championship battles and looking forward to a fantastic race today.” Around October 8, 23XI and Front Row are expected to file a preliminary injunction in federal court.
