Michael Jordan Brings Championship Mindset to NASCAR

The NBA legend discusses his move into auto racing, life after basketball, and the competitive drive that keeps him chasing victories.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a wide-ranging interview, Michael Jordan reflects on his life after basketball, his move into NASCAR as co-founder of 23XI Racing, and the pressure that still comes with his competitive drive and fame. Jordan discusses his passion for the sport tracing back to his late father, the partnership with NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin that launched 23XI Racing, and his high-profile antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR that led to a landmark settlement. Despite wanting a quieter life, Jordan acknowledges his NASCAR involvement has kept him in the spotlight, though he says it's not the same as when he was playing basketball in Chicago. The NBA legend also weighs in on the pressure of living up to the 'GOAT' label and embracing both his mistakes and the lessons they brought.

Why it matters

Michael Jordan's move into NASCAR as a team owner represents a significant shift in the sport, as the Hall of Fame basketball player aims to drive change and challenge the established power structures. His high-profile antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR highlighted concerns about the sport's franchise model and the need for more competitive opportunities. Jordan's involvement is also shining a spotlight on NASCAR, potentially attracting new fans and investment to the sport.

The details

After retiring from the NBA, Jordan founded 23XI Racing in 2020 with NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. The partnership began with a rumor that unexpectedly turned into reality. Jordan filed an antitrust lawsuit in 2024, alleging NASCAR was being run like a monopoly and needed to provide more opportunities for teams. In 2025, NASCAR reached a landmark settlement in the case, giving all teams improved charter terms and more flexibility. Jordan called the outcome a 'gamechanger' that will help deliver 'unforgettable racing moments' for fans.

  • Jordan founded 23XI Racing in 2020 with Denny Hamlin.
  • Jordan filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR in October 2024.
  • NASCAR reached a settlement in the antitrust case in December 2025.

The players

Michael Jordan

A Hall of Fame basketball player who is now the co-founder of NASCAR team 23XI Racing. Jordan has a long-standing passion for cars and racing that traces back to his late father.

Denny Hamlin

A legendary NASCAR driver and three-time Daytona 500 champion who partnered with Michael Jordan to launch 23XI Racing in 2020.

Tyler Reddick

A driver for 23XI Racing who says having Jordan as a boss 'motivates the hell out of us' and makes the team feel they are 'not that far off' from winning.

Jim France

The chairman and CEO of NASCAR, who said the landmark settlement with Jordan's team gave 'all parties the flexibility and confidence to continue delivering unforgettable racing moments for our fans.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This outcome gives all parties the flexibility and confidence to continue delivering unforgettable racing moments for our fans, which has always been our highest priority since the sport was founded in 1948.”

— Jim France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO

“This fight was needed, you know? And I was going to fight even harder. And if I got kicked out, at least I made people aware that change needs to happen in the sport, you know? And I think it's lopsided.”

— Michael Jordan

“I mean, you're ready to run through a wall, first off. But then two, you know, hearing a champion, a winner, a legend tell you these things, and it's like, 'Oh wow, you know, we're not that far off. A few adjustments and we're right there.'”

— Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing Driver

What’s next

Jordan and his 23XI Racing team will continue to compete in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, with the goal of securing more wins and championships to further cement their impact on the sport.

The takeaway

Michael Jordan's move into NASCAR as a team owner represents a significant shift in the sport, as the legendary basketball player aims to drive change and challenge the established power structures. His high-profile antitrust lawsuit and subsequent settlement with NASCAR have already led to more competitive opportunities for teams, and Jordan's involvement is shining a spotlight on the sport and attracting new fans and investment.