Michael Jordan: 23XI, NASCAR Have 'Much Better Appreciation' After Lawsuit Settlement
Michael Jordan says the conclusion of a 15-month legal battle between his 23XI Racing team and NASCAR has produced a clearer path forward for both sides and renewed focus on on-track performance as the Daytona 500 looms. With the lawsuit settled, Jordan told interviewers he believes communication and mutual appreciation have improved and that the team’s priority now is results.
Settlement brought structural change, new guarantees for teams
The high-profile dispute ended in a settlement that returned charters to 23XI Racing and another team after both organizations had relinquished them while pursuing legal action over a 2025-31 agreement. The deal also introduced an amendment providing a form of evergreen charters for all teams, effectively enshrining greater permanence into the charter system.
Beyond charters, the post-trial landscape saw a number of notable rule adjustments. Permanent charters were affirmed for all teams, the "Three-Strike Rule" made a comeback, and teams gained a share of revenue tied to international media rights. Jordan framed those developments as part of a wider reset: the difficult process of last summer clarified positions on both sides and, he said, opened the door for constructive conversations about growing the sport.
From legal pressure to on-track pressure: Jordan wants wins at Daytona
With the legal battle behind them, Jordan’s attention is squarely on the track. After a down year in 2025 that yielded just one win for 23XI Racing — a victory by Bubba Wallace at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway — expectations have shifted toward tangible improvement as the new season begins with the Daytona 500.
Jordan emphasized the importance of balancing youth and experience across his lineup. "We got a couple of young kids that are learning. We've got a couple of veterans that are going to be up front, " he said, expressing optimism that the team has the leadership and pieces necessary to contend. He added he would be satisfied to see any of the team’s four cars cross the finish line first, while also stressing a broader goal: keeping all four cars running through a chaotic superspeedway event.
There are roster storylines adding pressure. Tyler Reddick’s stock dipped last season and he is set to become a free agent at the end of 2026, raising questions about performance expectations and contract timing. Jordan acknowledged the reality of competition and the need for steady improvement, but framed those challenges as manageable if the organization coalesces around consistent execution.
Why Jordan thinks renewed dialogue matters for fans and growth
Jordan repeatedly invoked fans as central to the sport’s vitality. He said both teams and leadership should prioritize listening and making changes that enhance the spectator experience. "Don't forget about the fans. The fans make this game so much enjoyable to watch, " he said, stressing that fan engagement should guide decisions even as structural reforms are implemented.
Jordan also suggested the litigation, while difficult, forced stakeholders to confront issues that might otherwise have remained in stasis. That confrontation, he argued, produced a clearer mutual appreciation and set the stage for ongoing talks focused on expansion and competitive fairness.
As SpeedWeeks approach and attention centers on Daytona, 23XI Racing’s transition from courtroom back to racetrack will be judged on results. For Jordan, the settlement’s legacy will be measured both by the stability it brought to team operations and by whether the organization can translate renewed dialogue into victories when it matters most.
