• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, September 17, 2025

NASCAR Lawyer: ‘No Idea’ What MJ, 23XI Racing Think Is Fair Revenue

NASCAR has countersued Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing team and Front Row Motorsports, which have alleged the sport’s leaders are “monopolistic bullies.”

Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

NASCAR revealed that the teams’ share of its media-rights revenue split has increased to 49% under the sport’s new charter agreements, in a counterclaim filed Wednesday against 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, which first sued NASCAR last year.

That’s a roughly 25% increase from the split that teams had been receiving by the end of the previous charter agreements that ran from 2016 to 2024, which was approximately 40% of media revenue, according to NASCAR’s legal filing. NASCAR is in the first season of new seven-year, $7.7 billion media-rights deals with Fox Sports, NBC Sports, Amazon, and TNT Sports.

The original lawsuit from 23XI, which is owned by Michael Jordan, and Front Row called NASCAR “monopolistic bullies.” The teams were the only two that did not sign the most recent charter agreement (but are still allowed to compete this season) as they seek more revenue

However, a lawyer representing NASCAR said 23XI and Front Row have not laid out how much more money they want. 

“I don’t know what they think is fair,” Chris Yates of Latham & Watkins LLP said at a virtual media briefing Wednesday. “They have never explained that. I have no idea what they think the appropriate split should be. I have no idea because it’s never been articulated in any filing I’ve seen.”

No Settlement in Sight

NASCAR does not intend to reach a settlement with 23XI and Front Row, Yates said, or renegotiate the terms of the current charter agreements. “That’s not going to happen,” he said. “We’re not going to let 23XI and Front Row misuse the antitrust laws.” NASCAR will participate in the court-ordered mediation process, and a trial that is scheduled to begin in December. 

Wednesday’s filing also alleges that 23XI Racing president Curtis Polk, a longtime rep of Jordan and co-owner of 23XI, “played an active role in [an] illegal conspiracy” against NASCAR.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Hosszu

World Aquatics Reaches $4.6 Million Settlement With Pro Swimmers

Meanwhile, the International Swimming League’s case heads to trial in January.
Nov 9, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; 23XI Racing team owner Michael Jordan during qualifying for the Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway.

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

The contentious antitrust suit is slated to go to trial this December.
Megan Romano

The $800 Million Enhanced Games Lawsuit Could Have Legs

Antitrust experts say the case could have some merit.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.
September 16, 2025

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.
September 14, 2025

Low-Payroll Brewers Buck the Math, Clinch First MLB Playoff Berth

Milwaukee continues to defy its market size and economic constraints.