• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 30, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Team Loses Another Legal Battle

Michael Jordan’s racing team has been embroiled in a lawsuit against NASCAR since October, and the legal battle is not going in the former NBA star’s favor.

Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Michael Jordan’s NASCAR team has taken another loss in its ongoing legal battle with the racing circuit.

23XI Racing, as well as Front Row Motorsports, will compete as open teams this weekend at the NASCAR Cup Series event at Dover Motor Speedway, after a federal judge denied their request to retain their charter status, which is essentially the sport’s version of being a franchise.

For now, the teams—which first sued NASCAR in October—won’t lose their spots in upcoming events. But without charter status, guaranteed entries would eventually go away, and they would be forced to individually qualify for races.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell made the decision Thursday as he continues to weigh the validity of a preliminary injunction that the teams had originally secured in December, but then had vacated in June. His final decision should come within the next few weeks.  

“We are disappointed that the court declined to grant 23XI and Front Row Motorsports a temporary restraining order to allow the teams to continue racing as chartered teams,” Jeffrey Kessler, the attorney representing both teams, said in a statement. “We remain confident that our motion for a preliminary injunction is legally warranted and necessary, and we look forward to the court’s full review.”

The lawsuit has been scheduled to go to trial Dec. 1.

Not Backing Down

NASCAR began new seven-year, $7.7 billion media-rights deals this season, and 23XI and Front Row have been arguing that teams deserve a larger share of the sport’s revenue split. Under the latest agreement, teams receive 49% of media-rights revenue.

“We made the decision to bring this lawsuit to challenge NASCAR’s monopolistic practices and bullying tactics, and we are not going to let them push our teams—or others—out of the sport that they love,” Kessler also said in the statement. “We are confident in the merits of our case and the teams remain focused on competing this weekend and continuing their playoff push.”

Both 23XI drivers are currently in playoff position. Tyler Reddick is 4th in the Cup Series standings, and Bubba Wallace is 13th, ahead of the round of 16 beginning Aug. 31. None of Front Row’s three drivers are in the top 20.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

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.
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.

More Dildo Throwing During WNBA Games Leads to Second Arrest

The 18-year-old threw a dildo that hit another fan and his young niece.

Featured Today

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.

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.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.

Cowboys Can’t Bank on Mavericks’ Lottery Luck After Parsons Trade

The Mavericks lucked into Cooper Flagg through the 2025 NBA draft lottery.
August 28, 2025

Connor McDavid: ‘All Options on Table’ As Historic Free Agency Looms

The Oilers superstar remains largely mum on his long-term plans.
August 28, 2025

Rhyne Howard Calls Out Dream Fans for A’Ja Wilson ‘MVP’ Chants

The Las Vegas Aces overtook the Atlanta Dream in the standings.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
United
August 28, 2025

Manchester United Knocked Out of Cup by Team With $2.6 Million Payroll

United’s team payroll is almost 100 times larger than Grimsby’s.
Monica Wright
August 26, 2025

WNBA Expansion Teams Still in Dark As CBA Fight Drags On

Portland and Toronto won’t know the draft rules until a CBA is signed.
August 25, 2025

Trey Hendrickson Ends Stalemate for $14 Million Bengals Raise

The defensive end will make $30 million this season.
August 22, 2025

$2B A’s Vegas Stadium Hits Milestones, on Track for 2028

Construction progress and costs pick up in the Las Vegas project.