Judge Denies Injunction to Michael Jordan’s Teams in Antitrust Case Against NASCAR
A federal judge dismissed the request of two teams, one of which is owned by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, for a preliminary injunction in their antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR. The ruling, issued on Wednesday, prevents the teams from being recognized as franchise-status teams for the remainder of the season. Judge Kenneth Bell, of the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, argued that there were no reasons to issue the injunction in favor of 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. This is because NASCAR committed to not selling the six franchise positions that the teams held until the legal dispute was resolved.The judge also warned about the possible consequences in the NASCAR landscape if the case is not resolved before the trial. He pointed out the uncertainty faced by all parties involved, including teams, drivers, sponsors and, above all, fans. NASCAR, in a statement, expressed that the court decision “provides the necessary clarity for the remainder of the 2025 NASCAR season.” The organization highlighted its commitment to defend the integrity of the competition and the values that have guided its growth.Judge Bell has emphasized on several occasions his reluctance to predict the outcome of the case, reiterating that he does not wish to influence the jury, unless it is strictly necessary.
Judge Kenneth Bell
The trial is scheduled for December 1st. The lawyer for the plaintiff teams, Jeffrey Kessler, was not disappointed by the ruling. Kessler highlighted that the current situation will remain, protecting the rights of his clients and ensuring their participation in the races during the 2025 season. 23XI Racing, the team owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, along with Front Row Motorsports, are suing NASCAR for alleged anti-competitive practices related to the franchise system. A franchise guarantees teams a spot on the starting grid and a greater share of revenue. The teams currently compete as “open” teams. NASCAR wants to recover the money that was paid to the teams during the part of the season in which they had franchise status. 23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick has a clause in his contract stating that the team would be in breach if his Toyota did not have franchise status. Judge Bell concluded that the potential economic losses and uncertainty in relations with pilots and sponsors could be compensated with monetary damages in the trial.To the fans: We will not allow this lawsuit to divert attention from what matters most: delivering the unforgettable moments they expect from our great sport and crowning the next NASCAR Cup Series champion on November 2.
NASCAR
