• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 4, 2025
Fox Analyst and Media Entrepreneur Greg Olsen to Speak at Tuned In Get your ticket now!
Law

Jordan Can’t Bar Charter Sales Because NASCAR Agreed Not to Sell Charters

A North Carolina judge blocked a bid from Michael Jordan’s racing team to bar NASCAR from selling any more charters this season, because the racing organization already agreed not to do so.

Nov 9, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; 23XI Racing team owner Michael Jordan during qualifying for the Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Michael Jordan’s racing team will not receive a court decision barring NASCAR from selling any more charters this season because the organization has already committed not to do so, a federal judge in North Carolina has ruled.

Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports sued NASCAR in October over allegations the organization is a monopoly that hoards revenue and pushes teams around in negotiations. The lawsuit did not seek a specific amount in damages; instead, it wants NASCAR to be found to have “willfully” engaged in anticompetitive conduct to the detriment of its teams, and a ruling that it stop that behavior.

It was filed after both teams refused to sign a new charter agreement in September that was offered by NASCAR. Charters ensure that teams can compete in Cup Series races and guarantee access to NASCAR’s revenues.

The Wednesday ruling from U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell denied a request from 23XI Racing and Front Row for a preliminary injunction prohibiting NASCAR from selling any more charters this season. The decision came after NASCAR last week voluntarily committed not to “issue, sell, convey, or lease any additional Charters” while the litigation remains pending. The plaintiffs were not satisfied, telling the judge on Tuesday that the injunction was “necessary.”

The judge disagreed, saying that “plaintiffs cannot show the likelihood of imminent irreparable harm sufficient to support a Preliminary Injunction.” The judge cited NASCAR’s “renewed commitments to the Court.”

NASCAR welcomed the court’s decision in an emailed statement, saying it “brings much-needed clarity to the remainder of the 2025 NASCAR season.”

Jeffrey Kessler of law firm Winston & Strawn, who is representing 23XI Racing and Front Row, said in an emailed statement his clients are “grateful that Judge Bell has made clear that the status quo is being maintained—protecting my clients’ rights to regain their charters if they prevail at trial and ensuring their ability to continue racing through the 2025 season based on NASCAR’s commitments.”

A trial in the contentious case—which is playing out amid the NASCAR playoffs—is scheduled to begin this December. The judge has previously urged both sides to settle, saying in June, “It scares me to death to think about what all this is costing.”

The case is currently in the discovery phase, which has given a rare glimpse into private communications on both sides, including blunt text messages sent by Jordan and former Daytona winner Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing. Last fall, 13 racing teams signed charters with NASCAR, some of which contended they had no leverage regarding the terms.

“Teams are going to regret not joining us,” Jordan wrote in a text message to Curtis Polk, his business manager who is also a co-owner of 23XI Racing. Jordan also called Joe Gibbs and other racing owners “fuckers” and “pussies” for agreeing to charter terms. 

Private messages from NASCAR executives were also revealed during last week’s hearing, including an email written by commissioner Steve Phelps that said talks weren’t progressing after an early charter proposal to teams. Another message to co-workers said that racing teams could “pick a date and can either sign or lose their charters. It is that simple.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 15, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the Fox Sports Southwest logo during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Rockets 123-104.

Fox, Hairstylist Settle Bombshell Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Skip Bayless, Charlie Dixon, and Joy Taylor all denied claims of wrongdoing.
Aug 30, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Langston Patterson (10) looks over the defense against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers during the first half at FirstBank Stadium.

Latest Class Action Eligibility Lawsuit Challenges NCAA’s ‘Redshirt’ Rule

It’s the latest lawsuit challenging the NCAA’s core eligibility requirements.
Michael Jordan

Texts From Michael Jordan, NASCAR Bosses Aired Out in Court: ‘I Have..

Jordan said he plans on “going down with fire” against NASCAR.
Justin Harrington (4) runs drills during an OU football practice in Norman, Okla., on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023.

Federal Courts Lean Toward Striking NCAA JUCO Eligibility Restrictions

A federal judge granted four West Virginia football players eligibility this year.

Featured Today

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
August 30, 2025

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Feb 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue scratches his head after calling a time out as forward Kawhi Leonard (2) walks past in the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena.

Kawhi Leonard’s Alleged ‘No Show’ Job Is Latest in Complex Clippers Relationship

Leonard’s high-profile 2019 recruitment continues to generate headlines years later.
Barstool
August 29, 2025

Barstool Sues for Millions Over Failed Sponsorship Deal 

The media company says it was stiffed to the tune of $4.2 million.
Megan Romano
September 4, 2025

The $800 Million Enhanced Games Lawsuit Could Have Legs

Antitrust experts say the case could have some merit.
Sponsored

Trailblazer Cal Calamia Is Racing for ‘Advocacy, Storytelling, and Performance’

The marathoner wants excellence—not just inclusion—to be the goal for non-binary athletes.
Mar 12, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani talks with translator Ippei Mizuhara in the dugout against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training baseball game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.
August 29, 2025

Bookie Believes Shohei Ohtani ‘Was Aware’ of Interpreter’s Gambling

Mathew Bowyer ran the illegal gambling business used by interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.
Mat Ishbia
August 27, 2025

Suns, Mat Ishbia Sued by Minority Owners Looking to Open Books

The limited partners have been seeking a buyout from Ishbia.
Babe Ruth
August 26, 2025

Man With Babe Ruth’s Name Charged With MLB Identity Thefts

George Herman Ruth, 69, used hundreds of false names and Social Security numbers.
Miami Heat logo
August 20, 2025

Former Heat Security Guard Pleads Guilty to Stealing Team Memorabilia

Prosecutors say he stole game-worn jerseys and sold them online for millions.