Michael Jordan Sees 'Much Better Appreciation' Between 23XI Racing and NASCAR After Lawsuit

The NBA legend says the settlement will be a boon for both his team and the sport moving forward.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In an interview ahead of the Daytona 500, Michael Jordan shared that he believes the offseason lawsuit settlement between 23XI Racing and NASCAR will lead to improved communication and a better relationship between the two sides. Jordan said the legal battle forced them to have tough conversations, but he thinks it will ultimately help grow the sport by addressing the needs of teams and fans.

Why it matters

The lawsuit between 23XI Racing and NASCAR was a high-profile dispute that highlighted tensions between team owners and the sanctioning body. Jordan's comments suggest the two sides have found common ground, which could lead to more collaboration and innovation in the sport.

The details

The settlement awarded 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports charters after both relinquished their charters when they didn't sign the 2025-31 agreement. It also included an amendment with an agreement for all teams to have a form of "evergreen charters." While the two sides were able to reach an agreement, that came after an eight-day trial process in court. The lawsuit also led to changes like the return of the "Three-Strike Rule" and teams receiving revenue from NASCAR's international media rights deal.

  • The lawsuit lasted around 15 months before being settled in the offseason.
  • The Daytona 500 is this Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Michael Jordan

The NBA legend is the co-owner of 23XI Racing, a NASCAR team that was involved in a high-profile lawsuit against NASCAR.

23XI Racing

The NASCAR team co-owned by Michael Jordan that was involved in a lawsuit against NASCAR.

NASCAR

The sanctioning body for professional stock car racing in the United States.

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What they’re saying

“Communication — the thing is, both sides have been somewhat at a stalemate and we both needed to have conversations about change, how we can grow this sport. Unfortunately, we had to go through what we had to go through last summer. But I think coming out of that, you have a much better appreciation for each other and I think it opens up conversations amongst each other to continue to grow the game.”

— Michael Jordan (FOX Sports)

“Don't forget about the fans. The fans make this game so much enjoyable to watch. As much as we can listen, change, please the fans, please the teams and continue to grow the sport, I think everybody's going to be OK.”

— Michael Jordan (FOX Sports)

What’s next

With the lawsuit behind them, the focus for 23XI Racing is now getting positive results after a down year in 2025. The team only won one race, with Bubba Wallace capturing a victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Tyler Reddick is about to become a free agent at the end of the 2026 season, so there is some pressure on 23XI Racing to perform well.

The takeaway

The resolution of the lawsuit between 23XI Racing and NASCAR represents a turning point for the sport, as the two sides have found common ground and are now better positioned to collaborate on growing the fan base and addressing the needs of teams. This could lead to more innovation and positive changes in NASCAR in the years ahead.