NBA legend Michael Jordan files anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR

Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, during the NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 on April 23, 2023. An auto racing team co-owned by Jordan filed an anti-trust lawsuit on Oct. 2, 2024, against NASCAR and its chief executive Jim France. (AFP)
Short Url
Updated 03 October 2024
Follow

NBA legend Michael Jordan files anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR

  • The legal fight in the most popular form of US auto racing had six-time NBA champion Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports jointly filing against France and NASCAR
  • The suit argues the closed-cockpit stock car racing circuit and its leaders have used anti-competitive practices to prevent fair competition

WASHINGTON: An auto racing team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan filed an anti-trust lawsuit on Wednesday against the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and its chief executive Jim France.

The legal fight in the most popular form of US auto racing had six-time NBA champion Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports jointly filing against France and NASCAR in the Western District of North Carolina at Charlotte, where former Chicago Bulls star Jordan, 61, is a part-owner of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.

“Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor and that will to win is what drives me and the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track,” Jordan said in a statement.

“I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans.

“Today’s action shows I’m willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.”

The suit argues the closed-cockpit stock car racing circuit and its leaders have used anti-competitive practices to prevent fair competition.

“We share a passion for racing, the thrill of competition, and winning. Off the racetrack, we share a belief that change is necessary for the sport we love,” the teams said in a joint statement.

“Together, we brought this anti-trust case so that racing can thrive and become a more competitive and fair sport in ways that will benefit teams, drivers, sponsors, and, most importantly, fans.”

According to the lawsuit, NASCAR and the France family operate without transparency, stifle competition, and control the sport of stock car racing in ways that unfairly benefit them at the expense of team owners, drivers, sponsors, partners and fans.

The teams accuse NASCAR of such anti-competitive practices as buying most of the top racetracks exclusive to NASCAR races, imposing exclusivity deals on NASCAR-sanctioned tracks, acquiring stock car competitor Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), preventing teams from participating in other stock car races and forcing teams to buy their parts from single-source suppliers chosen by NASCAR.

“No other major professional sport in North America is run by a single family that enriches themselves through these kinds of unchecked monopolistic practices,” the teams said in a statement.

Front Row and 23XI did not sign recently updated NASCAR charter agreements, claiming the terms were unfair to teams.

“After more than two years of attempted negotiations over the 2025 agreements, during which NASCAR continually stonewalled and refused to engage constructively, we concluded that litigation was the only way to address the anti-competitive practices of NASCAR and the France family,” the teams said.

The teams plan to file a preliminary injunction to allow the teams to race in NASCAR next year while pursuing anti-trust litigation.

Denny Hamlin, a 54-time NASCAR winner as a driver and a part-owner of 23XI Racing, said not all teams share fairly in NASCAR’s success.

“Everyone who invests in making the sport a success should share fairly in that success,” Hamlin said. “With the right changes we can certainly make that a reality in racing.”


Poulter, Westwood to continue as Majesticks GC co-captains for 2026 LIV Golf season

Updated 7 sec ago
Follow

Poulter, Westwood to continue as Majesticks GC co-captains for 2026 LIV Golf season

London: British golfing icons Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood have re-signed with Majesticks GC as co-captains for the 2026 LIV Golf season, the team confirmed on Tuesday.
The Ryder Cup legend and former world number one will once again lead the side alongside fellow Englishman and former European Open champion Laurie Canter, who joins the team ahead of the new campaign.
Foundational figures in the creation and evolution of Majesticks GC, Poulter and Westwood bring more than 60 years of combined professional experience as the team enters the next phase of its development. Both players have played a central role in shaping the club’s identity, standards and culture since its inception.
The duo’s contrasting but complementary leadership styles have been a defining feature of Majesticks GC. Westwood’s calm and clinical approach has balanced Poulter’s intensity, charisma and competitive edge, helping to establish the team as one of the most recognizable outfits on the LIV Golf circuit.
Poulter, who has recorded victories on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, said he was eager to continue his journey with the team.
“I’ve been part of Majesticks Golf Club from day one, and am excited to continue on that journey as a player and co-captain,” he said. “What we’ve built here, both on and off the course, is special, with a clear long-term vision. LIV Golf has changed the game in ways that excite both players and fans, and being part of that evolution has been incredible. Re-signing for 2026 is an easy decision for me. I’m as motivated as ever, and I can’t wait to help drive this team forward into the 2026 season.”
Team principal James Dunkley highlighted Poulter’s influence within the squad, saying: “Ian is a hugely important part of this team. He sets standards, inspires everyone around him, and brings a level of energy and passion that instills belief in us all. His influence, both competitively and culturally, is enormous, and having both him and Lee back for 2026 is a major boost.”
Co-team principal Oliver Banks added: “Ian brings a unique skillset and personality to the sport. He’s a leader, an innovator and a personality who embodies what Majesticks Golf Club is about. His connection with fans, his passion and commitment to pushing the sport forward make him invaluable.”
Westwood, one of the most consistent performers of his generation, brings more than three decades of elite experience to the team, including multiple international victories and a spell at the top of the world rankings. His composed presence and technical understanding have been central to Majesticks GC’s development.
“It’s fantastic to continue this journey with Majesticks GC,” Westwood said. “What we’ve built together over the last few years has been incredibly rewarding, and the progression we’re making as a team and as part of LIV Golf is nothing short of incredible. I’m committed to helping push us forward in 2026 and contributing in every way I can, both as a player and a leader.”
Dunkley described Westwood’s impact as fundamental to the club’s structure. “Lee’s influence runs deep through this organization. His leadership style is measured and insightful, and brings immense experience to the team, helping to drive our standards. Having one of the best players in the game back for 2026 strengthens our foundation for the season ahead.”
Banks echoed those sentiments, adding: “Lee is integral to the Majesticks identity. He brings authenticity, knowledge and a strong sense of purpose to everything he does. His presence is felt throughout the team, and we’re delighted to continue building with him as we pursue our aspirations.”
Majesticks GC will look to build on that continuity of leadership as they prepare for the 2026 LIV Golf season.