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The basketball icon, as he cordially introduced himself in a federal courtroom on Friday, admitted that his competitive side and status as a newcomer emboldened his push for 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over alleged violations of antitrust rules.

Financial Stakes and a Will to Win

The owner disclosed operational insights of his 23XI team, revealing he put in $40m of his own funds into the Nascar Cup series team launched with business partner Curtis Polk and longtime driver Denny Hamlin.

“It fell to someone to act,” Jordan said in the Charlotte courtroom. “As a newcomer, I had no fear. I felt I could challenge Nascar in its entirety. From my perspective, the sport it needed to be looked at through a new lens.”

Central Issue: Charter Agreements and Contract Pressure

At issue is the expiration of a 2016 deal where Nascar provided each team a franchise. The concept is similar to other major leagues with separately owned franchises, like the NBA’s Hornets or the Carolina Panthers. This deal was set to expire in 2024 when Nascar demanded charter membership renewals.

Jordan was on the witness stand for about sixty minutes and left the court to pandemonium, with fans and media vying for a view or a picture of the sports legend.

Spearheading the Fight

Jordan’s 23XI is at the forefront of the push along with Front Row Motorsports for Nascar to change a business model Jordan said is breaking the law to keep two hands on the wheel.

For Jordan and and Heather Gibbs, who testified before Jordan, are events from last September. She recounted a hectic and tense six hours where the sanctioning body told teams they must sign a charter agreement extension. This agreement spanned 112 pages outlining pay for chartered teams and a guaranteed spot in every race.

Choosing Litigation

Jordan explained that his team and its ally concluded their only feasible option was to refuse a signature that extensive document and litigate the matter. All other teams signed the agreement.

Jordan and co-owner Denny Hamlin approached Nascar about potential amendments or negotiations. Nascar wasn’t talking, according to his testimony.

The Bottom Line: Winning

Ultimately, the resistance against what he saw as a unsustainable system was driven by the familiar goal for Jordan: Winning.

“Denny convinced me adding a third car boosted our odds of winning,” he testified, noting that he purchased another franchise last year for $28m despite the uncertainty. “So I took the plunge.”

Account from the Gibbs Family

Heather Gibbs detailed her push for indefinite franchises, submitted in a written letter to Nascar. She said the timing of the contract signing demand didn’t sit well.

According to her, the team founder first tried to call and persuade Nascar against demanding signatures, but CEO Jim France declined the request.

“Don’t do this to us,” Gibbs recounted was the message to Nascar’s leadership. She said France replied, “Whether I have 20 charters, that’s what I have. If I have 30, that’s the number.”