The multi-million dollar antitrust case against NASCAR, brought by Michael Jordan‘s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, has abruptly settled after only eight days of testimony that heavily favoured the plaintiffs.
On what should have been the ninth day of the trial in a North Carolina federal court, NBA legend Jordan and his team co-owner Denny Hamlin stood with NASCAR executives to announce the agreed upon settlement.
Now, fans and the motorsport community wait to see what the future of the sport looks like going forward.
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NASCAR was accused of anti-competitive practices and establishing a monopoly in North American motorsports, with multiple high-profile paddock figures bringing testimony to the case.
Michael Jordan and NASCAR have settled the landmark anti-trust case. Â Getty
That included letters from Hall of Fame team owners Joe Gibbs, Rick Hendrick, Jack Roush and Roger Penske that were introduced in.
Each pleaded with Jim France, NASCAR CEO, for charters to become permanent; but France testified he was not moved by the men he considers good friends.
Crucially, NASCAR’s eight days of testimony quickly went downhill and switched tactics.
Rather than actually proving they did not violate antitrust laws, they pivoted and focused on mitigating potential damages.
As the two parties emerged from the courthouse, the terms of the settlement were not released. Instead, the closing statements from each party to the media outside the trial focused on a message of unity.
“Like two competitors, obviously we tried to get as much done in each other’s favour,” Jordan said, the 6’5 former basketball star towering over 82-year-old France.
NASCAR and Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing were locked in battle. Â Getty
“I’ve said this from day one: the only way this sport is going to grow is we have to find some synergy between the two entities.
“I think we’ve gotten to that point, unfortunately it took 16 months to get here, but I think level heads have gotten us to this point where we can actually work together and grow this sport.
“I am very proud about that and I think Jim feels the same.”
France reiterated the statement, saying, “I do feel the same and we can get back to focusing on what we really love, and that’s racing, and we spent a lot of time not really focused on that so much as we needed to be.”
As a direct result of the settlement, NASCAR has confirmed that charters will become permanent for all teams. They are now in the process of scheduling a call with all teams to discuss the revenue-sharing model moving forward.
For the plaintiffs, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports will receive their combined six charters back for 2026.
Hendrick, who was scheduled to testify, praised the resolution.
“Millions of loyal NASCAR fans and thousands of hardworking people rely on our industry, and today’s resolution allows all of us to focus on what truly matters – the future of our sport,” he said.
“This moment presents an important opportunity to strengthen our relationships and recommit ourselves to building a collaborative and prosperous future for all stakeholders.
“I’m incredibly optimistic about what’s ahead.”
The settlement materialised suddenly on the ninth day of the trial.
Judge Kenneth Bell opened expecting to hear motions but both sides abruptly asked for a private conference in chambers. When they emerged, Bell ordered an hour-long break for the two sides to confer.
That turned into two hours, and when all parties returned to the courtroom, Kessler announced an agreement had been reached.
Michael Jordan and his team celebrated in style in a North Carolina steakhouse. Â Instagram
“What all parties have always agreed on is a deep love for the sport and a desire to see it fulfil its full potential,” NASCAR and the plaintiffs said in a joint statement.
“This is a landmark moment, one that ensures NASCAR’s foundation is stronger, its future is brighter and its possibilities are greater.”
Hamlin, Jordan, and their legal team posted on Instagram and seen celebrating the decision with champagne in Charlotte.
The attention now shifts to the process of implementing the new revenue model and shaping the future of NASCAR for 2026 onwards.