Michael Jordan speaks out after 23XI Racing, Front Row settlement with NASCAR

The NASCAR antitrust trial came to an abrupt end as Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing, along with Front Row Motorsports, agreed to settle. NASCAR and the teams came together this morning after eight days of a contentious trial.

Michael Jordan was in court every day of this trial. He was fully invested in this trial from start to finish. This morning, to the delight of the Plaintiffs and many fans, the case was settled with improved terms for all teams in the Cup Series.

Teams will be sent a new charter agreement to sign. Among the changes are permanent, “evergreen,” charters. It will essentially set up a franchise system for NASCAR. It will also likely lead to an increase in value for an individual charter on the market.

As a co-owner of 23XI Racing and one of the most famous humans to ever live, Michael Jordan is an important partner in the sport. After this case and the settlement, perhaps his importance has increased along with charter values.

“From the beginning, this lawsuit was about progress. It was about making sure our sport evolves in a way that supports everyone: teams, drivers, partners, employees, and fans,” Jordan said in a statement released to the media. “With a foundation to build equity and invest in the future and a stronger voice in the decisions ahead, we now have the chance to grow together and make the sport even better for generations to come. I’m excited to watch our teams get back on the track and compete hard in 2026.”

Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin celebrate settlement

Of course, Denny Hamlin, a co-owner of 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan, is excited. Both Hamlin and Jordan testified as witnesses for the Plaintiffs in this case. The co-owners, along with Curtis Polk, have secured meaningful concessions from NASCAR in this settlement. Not just for their own team and themselves, but for the Cup Series as a whole.

It is hard to tell what led to this settlement at this time. There are a lot of factors, of course. But NASCAR had begun its defense on Wednesday. Then, they came into court the next morning and settled. There was also the Johnny Morris letter.

Wednesday night, Morris, the CEO of Bass Pro Shops, wrote a letter to NASCAR and released it publicly. The letter touched on the comments made by Commissioner Steve Phelps about Richard Childress being a “stupid redneck,” among other insults. Morris also asked the France family to “reflect carefully on the damage that’s being done to NASCAR in the ongoing dispute and dig deep and strive hard for compromise.”

However, the settlement came about, and it is likely a good thing overall. The sport won’t be torn apart completely. Nothing is going to happen with the race tracks. 23XI Racing and Front Row have regained their charters for the 2026 season, meaning they will each have three. On top of that, charters are now permanent. A new era in the sport without taking the nuclear option.