• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 22, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Buy tickets now!
Law

Michael Jordan’s Team Secures Injunction Against NASCAR

A federal judge cleared the way for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to race under NASCAR’s charter system in 2025.

Oct 27, 2024; Homestead, Florida, USA; 23XI owner Michael Jordan celebrates after his driver NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (not pictured) won the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Michael Jordan’s racing team will be allowed to compete under NASCAR Cup Series’ charter system after all. 

Judge Kenneth Bell ruled Wednesday that Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports will be allowed to compete in 2025 as normal while their antitrust lawsuit progresses toward a possible 2026 trial. Before the case was reassigned to Bell, another federal judge rejected the two NASCAR teams’ request for an injunction that put their 2025 season in doubt.  

“The public interest strongly favors entry of a limited preliminary injunction in favor of the Plaintiffs during the 2025 NASCAR race season, both to give fans of stock car racing the opportunity to watch (and root for and against) the full slate of teams and to allow Plaintiffs’ antitrust legal challenges to be considered,” Bell wrote in his 20-page order

The two teams alleged the France family and NASCAR—which the family has controlled since its inception in 1949—”are monopolistic bullies” and NASCAR’s charter system stifles competition and limits team revenues. Instead of agreeing to a new charter agreement in September that would have eliminated their ability to sue, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports took legal action against NASCAR.

Bell’s decision will require NASCAR to allow the teams to sign a charter agreement—even with pending litigation—and clears the way for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to purchase an additional charter each from Stewart-Haas Racing. That will mean each team will be allowed to have three chartered cars in 2025. 

The 23XI team is owned by Jordan and Denny Hamlin; Front Row Motorsports is owned by restaurant entrepreneur Bob Jenkins.

“We welcome today’s decision by Judge Bell granting a preliminary injunction in our favor,” Jeffrey Kessler, the attorney for both teams, said in a statement. “We are confident in the strength of our case and will continue to fight so that racing can thrive and become a more competitive and fair sport in ways that benefit teams, drivers, sponsors and, most importantly, our fans.”

A message left with a NASCAR spokesperson was not immediately returned.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Pat Fitzgerald

Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern Settle Lawsuit Over Firing

Fitzgerald has insisted he had no knowledge of hazing on the team.
Kyle Busch talks with Nexstar Media Group, Wednesday February 14, 2024 during Daytona 500 Media Day at Daytona International Speedway

$6.2B Nexstar-Tegna Deal Could Create Local Sports Juggernaut

CW parent company Nexstar looks to acquire its rival in a major deal.
Padraig Harrington is interviewed by the Golf Channel on the 18th green after the final round of the TimberTech Championship at The Old Course at Broken Sound on Sunday, November 5, 2023, in Boca Raton, FL.

From Golf to EPL, Versant Targets Deals After NBCU Split

The USGA’s media-rights extension included NBCU and the spin-off Versant.

Featured Today

Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.
Nov 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks at quarterback Drew Allar (15) during the first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium.
August 22, 2025

Private Equity Enters College Sports—Without the Equity

As college football starts, lending agreements have become PE’s best way in.
Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) returns a kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at MetLife Stadium.
August 18, 2025

‘Fauxbacks’ Throw Back to a Retro Uniform That Never Existed

Many throwback jerseys are brand-new designs or “Franken-Unis.”
August 17, 2025

‘Labubu Gang’: The Creepy-Cute Dolls Sweeping Pro Sports

The creepy-cute doll is the hottest collectible—and fashion statement.
Miami Heat logo

Former Heat Security Guard Pleads Guilty to Stealing Team Memorabilia

Prosecutors say he stole game-worn jerseys and sold them online for millions.
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium.
August 14, 2025

Brian Flores Discrimination Suit Against NFL Can Go to Trial, Court Says

An appeals court ruled the NFL cannot compel Flores into arbitration.
Jun 11, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA;A NCAA logo flag at the NCAA Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field.
August 15, 2025

Transgender Runner Sues Swarthmore, NCAA Over Ban

The suit says state and federal law supercede the NCAA’s transgender policy.
Sponsored

Building A Pro League From Scratch

Front Office Sports and Gainbridge® spotlight what it takes to build a professional women’s soccer league.
Feb 14, 2025; Oakland, California, USA; Denver Nuggets mascot Rocky the Mountain Lion gestures in front of Terrell Owens (81) of Team Rice during the celebrity game ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Oakland Arena.
August 14, 2025

Former Nuggets Mascot Sues Team for Wrongful Termination

Drake Solomon says he returned from hip surgery to a “hostile work environment.”
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) passes the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium.
August 13, 2025

Lamar Jackson Drops No. 8 Fight Against Troy Aikman

He filed a complaint with the USPTO in July 2024 against Aikman.
Jon Gruden
August 11, 2025

Jon Gruden Wins Fight With NFL Over Email Leak Arbitration

Gruden wants his fight against the NFL to play out in court.
Skechers store opening in April at Cross Pointe Centre on Morganton Road.
August 11, 2025

Shareholder Drops Lawsuit Over $9.4B Skechers Go-Private Deal

The judge recently rejected the shareholder’s request for “immediate action.”