NBA legend and co-owner of 23XI Racing, Michael Jordan, has spoken out on the ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by his team and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR.

Jordan has admitted that he has “put all of my cards on the table.”

The lawsuit originates from the 2025 Charter Agreement, which contains a provision restricting teams from launching antitrust lawsuits against NASCAR.

In the initial court hearing held in Charlotte, NC, Jeffrey Kessler, a renowned sports attorney, represented both racing teams.

Kessler is no stranger to sports litigation, having a reputation for his work on athletes’ rights.

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports confirmed on October 2:

“We share a passion for racing, the thrill of competition, and winning.

Off the racetrack, we share a belief that change is necessary for the sport we love.

Together, we brought this antitrust case so that racing can thrive and become a more competitive and fair sport in ways that will benefit teams, drivers, sponsors, and, most importantly, fans.”

Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.

Michael…More James Gilbert/Getty Images

Jordan commented to the press after the hearing:

“I’ve been in situations of disparity. I mean, I think the race team is going to focus on what they have to do this weekend, which I expect them to. I think Jeffrey did an unbelievable job today.”

This lawsuit brings to light allegations of monopolistic practices and anticompetitive behavior by NASCAR.

The accusations target restrictions imposed by the racing body, like exclusive track acquisitions and mandatory supplier protocols, claiming they stifle competition, to the detriment of team owners, drivers, and fans.

The contested element in the 2025 Charter Agreement, preventing antitrust lawsuits, is central to the teams’ request for a preliminary injunction, a measure to allow race participation with charters in 2025 amid ongoing litigation.

Jordan added:

“Yeah, I put all my cards on the table.

I think we did a good job of that.

“I’m looking forward to winning a championship this weekend.”

According to FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass, a decision from the judge is expected “potentially on Friday.”

Speaking to the press outside the courtroom on Monday, Kessler commented:

“So, we got our first day in court.

It was a vigorous argument.

“I think we made all the points we had to make, and we’re going to look forward to Friday and hopefully get our relief.

“I think we laid out very clearly what our request is.

I think the other side worked very hard in their papers and their presentation to present a case that doesn’t exist,” Kessler said.

“And I think by the end of the hearing, it was very clear what we’re asking for and why we’re entitled to that relief.

“I think I said in open court that I did not think the actual record corresponded to how they presented the facts.

How they did it in their slides, and how they did it orally.

The judge will make that determination.

I was disappointed in the other side for not really portraying the record as it really is.”