Retired NBA great and 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan bought a third NASCAR Cup Series charter late in 2024 for $28 million despite being involved in a major antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR over the charter system. In Friday’s trial, Jordan revealed the real reason behind the team’s decision to acquire a third charter.Six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan has never been one to shy away from competition, and while on the stand, he detailed a conversation with his co-owner and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin that ultimately shaped 23XI Racing’s aggressive expansion plan. Jordan purchased the third charter in 2024, believing that it’s a step toward transforming 23XI into a championship threat.“There was a discussion between me and Denny about being successful… people who know me know I like to win and I will pursue anything to win and getting a third charter improves our chance to win the championship,” Jordan said in his testimony.23XI Racing, which began as a one-car organization in 2021, followed by a two-car lineup in 2022, has quickly established itself as one of NASCAR’s fastest-rising teams. With proven race winners like Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace and consistent playoff appearances, the team’s growth has exceeded early expectations.The Huntersville, North Carolina-based organization, which has a technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing, fields the #23 Toyota Camry for Bubba Wallace, #45 for Tyler Reddick, and #35 for Riley Herbst in the NASCAR Cup Series. Additionally, they also field the #67 part-time for Corey Heim.Michael Jordan targeted Jim France in testimony23XI Racing, owned by Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin, and Curtis Polk, along with Bob and Brad Jenkins, who own Front Row Motorsports, are suing NASCAR over antitrust claims. Both the teams refused to sign the 2025 charter agreement and are now challenging the sport’s business model as monopolistic.During his testimony, Jordan pointed to NASCAR CEO Jim France, saying those who make major decisions about the sport are not the ones putting their lives on the line.NASCAR journalist Matt Weaver reported Jordan’s statement:“MJ says he wants to push NASCAR to be better. He says the drivers and teams assume most of the risk while NASCAR ‘sits in Florida.’ I never saw Jim France drive a car or risk his life… give a little more credit to those who put their life on the line.”Michael Jordan also testified that he wants teams to be equal partners with NASCAR, not expecting to receive what NBA teams get but hoping to move closer to 45 percent.