Michael Jordan has been named the corporate representative for 23XI Racing in an upcoming trial involving the team’s lawsuit against NASCAR, a key development in the high-profile 23XI Racing NASCAR lawsuit trial scheduled for December. This move will allow Jordan to be present for all witness testimonies in the courtroom, underscoring the importance the team assigns to his leadership and visibility during the proceedings in North Carolina.
Michael Jordan Selected as 23XI’s Courtroom Representative
23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin, and Curtis Polk, designated Jordan to serve as the face of the organization in court for the 23XI Racing NASCAR lawsuit trial set to begin on December 1. Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports reported that Jordan’s designation means he will be in attendance throughout all witness testimonies. The team also argued for Hamlin and Polk’s presence in the courtroom, highlighting their vital role, as noted in the pretrial process. However, NASCAR requested that only one of the three co-owners be permitted in the courtroom during the trial.
Jeff Gluck of The Athletic commented on the strategic advantage of Jordan’s visible participation in court.
“This had to be the move. Jeffrey Kessler obviously wants a jury of North Carolina residents to see Michael Jordan every day in the courtroom,”
Jeff Gluck, The Athletic.
Background and Legal Arguments Leading to the Lawsuit
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports jointly filed the lawsuit against NASCAR in 2023. Central to their claim is the argument that NASCAR holds control over the Cup Series and most racing tracks, mandates teams to buy car parts from approved suppliers, and blocks teams from participating in other racing series without explicit approval. According to the two teams, these practices violate antitrust laws and restrict fair competition. The dispute deepened when both organizations declined to sign NASCAR’s revised charter agreement, citing inequitable revenue distribution as a chief concern.
The 23XI Racing NASCAR lawsuit trial will therefore scrutinize NASCAR’s business structure, as the teams seek more equitable opportunities and financial terms within the sport.
Michael Jordan Shares Motivation for Legal Action
On October 6 of the previous year, Michael Jordan outlined his reasons for acting against NASCAR:
“I did it for the smaller teams as well. It’s not just me,”
Michael Jordan, Co-owner, 23XI Racing.
“I think everybody should have an opportunity to be successful in any business. My voice is saying that it hasn’t been happening. … Hopefully we [at both sides] can come to our senses and figure out something that can make sense for everybody.”
Michael Jordan, Co-owner, 23XI Racing.
Jordan’s statement highlights his vision for fair opportunity throughout motorsports, not just for 23XI Racing or its co-owners Denny Hamlin and Curtis Polk, but also for smaller competitors within the Cup Series. He emphasized the importance of resolving the dispute in a way that benefits all involved parties, suggesting a broader significance for the sport in North Carolina and beyond.
About 23XI Racing and Their Competitive Record
23XI Racing, which debuted in 2020 through the collaboration of Jordan, Hamlin, and Polk, currently has three full-time drivers: Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, and Riley Herbst. The organization has recently achieved notable success, with Wallace’s win at the Brickyard 400 advancing him to the second round of the playoffs in 2025. Reddick also made a strong showing, reaching the playoffs and finishing ninth in the Cup Series standings. Their on-track progress emphasizes the high stakes of the pending legal battle for the team’s future in NASCAR’s top tier.
What to Expect Next in the Lawsuit Trial
The legal proceedings, set to unfold in December, will determine whether NASCAR’s current practices stand or whether teams like 23XI and Front Row Motorsports can expect a more level playing field in terms of competition and revenue. The presence of Michael Jordan in the courtroom, with his influence and commitment to fairness, is anticipated to have a significant effect on both the jury and the broader NASCAR community. As one of the most visible figures in sports and business, Jordan’s participation puts added spotlight on a case that could reshape the balance of power among racing teams and the governing body.
23XI, in filing today, says it will designate Michael Jordan as its corporate representative, which means he can be in courtroom for all witness testimony. 23XI argues both Hamlin & Polk should be allowed to as well, that they are essential to presentation of their case. https://t.co/zi5RW8OfL0
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 25, 2025
This had to be the move. Jeffrey Kessler obviously wants a jury of North Carolina residents to see Michael Jordan every day in the courtroom. https://t.co/Gos3lwx1nt
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) November 25, 2025
