- It’s Personal”: $3.5 Billion Co-Owner of 23XI Michael Jordan Breaks Silence on NASCAR’s ‘Illegal Cartel’ Claims with a Strong Warning
In a rare public statement, Michael Jordan, the $3.5 billion co-owner of the 23XI Racing team, has broken his silence regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding NASCAR’s alleged “illegal cartel” behavior. Speaking candidly to reporters this week, the NBA legend turned motorsport magnate addressed the serious claims made by some industry insiders and rival team owners who have raised concerns over NASCAR’s practices.
The allegations against NASCAR were first publicly voiced by outspoken figures in the racing world, who accused the sanctioning body of using anti-competitive tactics and operating like a cartel. The accusations centered on claims of collusion between NASCAR and its most powerful teams, allegedly stifling competition and favoring certain owners, particularly those with significant financial backing.
Jordan, whose involvement in NASCAR as a team owner has drawn widespread attention, has never been one to shy away from controversy. The six-time NBA champion has become an influential figure in motorsports since 2020, when he and his longtime friend, Denny Hamlin, co-founded 23XI Racing. Despite his undeniable success in basketball, Jordan’s transition into NASCAR has been a game-changer, marking a milestone for African-American representation in the sport.
Addressing the cartel accusations head-on, Jordan dismissed the notion that NASCAR operates as a cartel and warned those making such claims to be cautious. “This is personal for me,” Jordan said, his voice tinged with emotion. “I’ve spent my life in competitive sports, and I know what it means to fight for fairness and equality. NASCAR, like any sport, needs to be about competition, and while I might not always agree with everything, I can assure you that it’s not an illegal cartel.”
Jordan’s comments come at a time of rising tensions in the NASCAR community, where disputes about race distribution, team ownership, and the sport’s growing influence in mainstream media have created a perfect storm of criticism. Jordan made it clear that he believes the claims are unfounded and that they undermine the hard work being put in by everyone within the racing ecosystem.
“You’ve got to understand, this sport is evolving,” Jordan continued. “There’s a lot of passion here, and sometimes, when you have passion, people start throwing accusations. But I’m not going to let these allegations distract me or my team. We’re focused on what we can control, and that’s performance on the track.”
At the heart of the controversy is a broader issue surrounding the increasing dominance of a few well-capitalized teams. While Jordan’s 23XI Racing team has rapidly gained prominence, some of the more established team owners have raised alarms over what they perceive as an unfair advantage being granted to those with deeper pockets.
In a direct shot at these concerns, Jordan warned that if any team owner or individual thinks they can sabotage the progress of his team, they are sorely mistaken. “You can’t stop progress,” he declared, his competitive fire shining through. “I’ve faced challenges my entire life, and I’ve overcome them. Those who think they can slow us down better think again. 23XI is here to stay, and we’re just getting started.”
Jordan’s words underscore the significant shift happening within NASCAR as new, diverse ownership groups continue to enter the fray, challenging the traditional order of the sport. His influence, both as a businessman and as a cultural icon, has already made waves in NASCAR, not only for his team’s performance but also for the opportunities he’s creating for people of color within a historically conservative space.
While the accusations of cartel-like behavior continue to reverberate within the sport, Jordan’s unwavering stance could serve as a turning point in the debate. With the spotlight now on his every move, the co-owner of 23XI Racing is determined to ensure that his legacy in motorsports, much like his legendary NBA career, is built on fairness, competition, and integrity.
As NASCAR grapples with these high-profile accusations, Jordan’s strong warning signals that he and 23XI Racing are prepared to take on whatever challenges lie ahead. The game is changing, and Jordan is making sure he’s front and center in shaping the future of NASCAR.
