NASCAR Is Countersuing Michael Jordan’s Racing Team, Says They Behaved Like an ‘Illegal Cartel

NASCAR Countersues Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing, Alleging “Illegal Cartel” Behavior

NASCAR has filed a countersuit against 23XI Racing, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and driver Denny Hamlin, accusing the team of operating like an “illegal cartel.” The countersuit comes after 23XI Racing, along with Front Row Motorsports (FRM), sued NASCAR in late 2024, alleging monopolistic practices and unfair revenue-sharing agreements that hurt independent teams.

In its response, NASCAR claims that Curtis Polk, Michael Jordan’s longtime business manager and a co-owner of 23XI Racing, orchestrated an effort to undermine NASCAR’s business operations. The countersuit alleges that 23XI Racing and FRM attempted to interfere with NASCAR’s broadcast negotiations, threatened boycotts, and engaged in a group boycott of a NASCAR Team Owner Council meeting. NASCAR asserts that these actions were part of a coordinated attempt to pressure the organization into accepting terms that would benefit a select group of teams, describing the behavior as collusive and anticompetitive.

NASCAR is seeking damages and the possible elimination of 23XI Racing and FRM’s guaranteed starting positions in future races if the teams continue to challenge the validity of NASCAR’s charter agreements. The case remains ongoing, with a jury trial for the initial lawsuit expected to begin on December 1, 2025.