Michael Jordan to Testify in Lawsuit Over 2019 Investment Dispute, Court Date Set for March 2026

Michael Jordan is slated to take the witness stand next month in a New York federal courtroom as part of a civil lawsuit tied to a 2019 investment arrangement. The development brings the former NBA icon into the spotlight outside sports once again and sets the stage for a high-profile legal showdown in March 2026.

Background of the dispute

The lawsuit centers on an investment agreement entered into in 2019 in which plaintiffs allege they were misled about the structure and management of a business venture involving Jordan. Plaintiffs claim promised roles and returns never materialized and have sought damages and contract enforcement. The defendants deny wrongdoing and maintain that the transactions were handled properly and with full disclosure.

Legal filings show that both sides have exchanged witness lists and evidence over the past several months, and last-minute motions on evidentiary matters are expected. The case has drawn attention because of Jordan's prominence and because testimony could reveal details about business arrangements that have largely remained private.

What to expect at trial

The trial is scheduled to begin in early March 2026 in federal court in New York, with Jordan expected to testify during the week following opening statements. Attorneys for both parties have indicated readiness to press their narratives: plaintiffs will likely press Jordan on representations made during negotiations and what he understood about operational control, while defense counsel intends to question plaintiffs' credibility and the accuracy of their assertions.

Legal observers note that high-profile witnesses often face intense cross-examination that aims to test memory, motive and consistency. For Jordan, who has given relatively few public interviews about his private business dealings, testifying could expose him to detailed scrutiny about long-ago conversations and written correspondence. If testimony goes poorly for either side, it could shape settlement dynamics even before a jury reaches a verdict.

Implications beyond the courtroom

Beyond potential financial consequences, the trial carries reputational stakes. Jordan has long cultivated a business profile that includes ownership stakes and endorsement partnerships; any public dispute over deal terms could attract corporate partners' attention. That said, legal experts caution against reading a lawsuit alone as definitive character evidence — civil litigation often involves contested interpretations of contracts and expectations.

Both parties have room to negotiate a settlement at many points before or during trial, and the prospect of a public hearing sometimes accelerates such discussions. For now, March’s calendar entry marks the first time in years that Jordan will appear as a central witness in federal litigation, a development that will be watched closely by legal commentators and the business community alike.

The case is set for the federal courthouse in New York in March 2026. Courtroom schedules list testimony dates and related pretrial deadlines in Eastern Time.