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The basketball icon, introducing himself formally in a Charlotte court on Friday, stated that his competitive side and status as a newcomer emboldened his effort with 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over alleged violations of competition laws.

Team Investment and a Will to Win

The owner disclosed financial and corporate details of his 23XI team, saying he invested $40m of his own funds into the Cup Series operation co-founded with partner Polk and driver Hamlin.

“Someone had to step forward,” Jordan said during testimony. “I was a new person, I had no fear. I believed I could take on Nascar in its entirety. I felt as far as the sport required examination through a new lens.”

The Core Dispute: Franchise System and Contract Pressure

At issue is the end of a 2016 agreement where Nascar provided each team a “charter”. The concept is similar to other professional sports with independent franchises, like the NBA’s Hornets or the NFL’s Panthers. This deal was due to end in 2024 when Nascar insisted on teams renew their charters.

Jordan was on the witness stand for an hour and exited the courthouse to a media frenzy, with onlookers and reporters vying for a view or a photo of the sports legend.

Spearheading the Fight

Jordan’s 23XI is at the forefront of the push along with another racing team for Nascar to change a operating model Jordan said is unlawful to keep two hands on the wheel.

At issue for Jordan and a fellow team representative, who testified before Jordan, are details from last September. She recounted a hectic and tense six hours where the racing circuit informed teams they had to sign a charter agreement extension. This agreement consists of 112 pages outlining team compensation and a guaranteed spot in Nascar-sponsored races.

Choosing Litigation

Jordan said that his team and its ally concluded their sole viable path was to refuse a signature that extensive document and litigate the matter. All other teams signed the agreement.

Jordan and co-owner Denny Hamlin reached out to Nascar about potential amendments or negotiations. Nascar wasn’t talking, Jordan said.

The Bottom Line: Winning

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

“Denny convinced me adding a third car improved our chances to win,” he said, noting that he bought a third charter last year for $28m amid the legal dispute. “So I dove in.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Heather Gibbs detailed her request for permanent charters, which she said a formal letter to Nascar. She testified the pressure of the contract signing demand was problematic.

She said, the team founder first tried to call and talk Nascar out of demanding signatures, but Nascar’s leader refused the appeal.

“Please don’t force this on us,” Heather Gibbs said Joe Gibbs told Nascar’s leadership. She said France replied, “Whether I have 20 charters, I have 20. If I have 30, that’s the number.”