NASCAR and two teams, 23XI Racing co-owned by Michael Jordan and Front Row Motorsports, agreed to a settlement in the ongoing antitrust lawsuit on Dec. 11.
The settlement was announced in court ahead of what would have been another day of testimony during the second week of trial, which began on Dec. 1.
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In Sept. 2024, NASCAR set a day-long deadline for charter renewal among its 15 current Cup Series teams following a presentation. The NASCAR charter system, instituted in 2016, guarantees chartered teams a level of racing revenue and access into Cup Series races.
23XI and Front Row did not sign the agreement, then filed a lawsuit accusing NASCAR of anticompetitive and monopolistic practices in Oct. 2024.
LAWSUIT SETTLED: NASCAR settles with Michael Jordan, other plaintiffs in antitrust case
23XI and Front Row, following legal back-and-forth, competed in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series without a charter.
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In a joint statement released by NASCAR and the two teams, the sanctioning body agreed to “a form of evergreen charters” which should secure the value of charters for teams long-term.
Financial terms of the settlement are confidential and will not be disclosed, according to the joint statement.
What Michael Jordan said about NASCAR lawsuit settlement
“From the beginning, this lawsuit was about progress,” Jordan said in a statement. “It was about making sure our sport evolves in a way that supports everyone: teams, drivers, partners, employees and fans.”
“With a foundation to build equity and invest in the future and a stronger voice in the decisions ahead, we now have the chance to grow together and make the sport even better for generations to come. I’m excited to watch our teams get back on the track and compete hard in 2026.”
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Jordan and 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin both testified earlier in the trial.
What Denny Hamlin said about NASCAR lawsuit settlement
“I’ve cared deeply about the sport of NASCAR my entire life. Racing is all I’ve ever known, and this sport shaped who I am,” Hamlin said in a statement. “That’s why we were willing to shoulder the challenges that came with taking this stand.”
“We believed it was worth fighting for a stronger and more sustainable future for everyone in the industry. Teams, drivers and partners will now have the stability and opportunity they deserve. Our commitment to the fans and to the entire NASCAR community has never been stronger. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and now it is time to move forward together and build the stronger future this sport deserves.”
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What Front Row Racing said about NASCAR lawsuit settlement
Front Row Racing owner Bob Jenkins also testified during the trial.
“After more than 20 years in this sport, today gives me real confidence in where we’re headed,” Jenkins said in a statement. “I love this sport, and it was clear we needed a system that treated our teams, drivers and sponsors fairly and kept the competition strong.”
“With this change, we can finally build long-term value and have a real voice in NASCAR’s future. I’m excited for the road ahead — for the people in the garage, the folks in the stands and everyone who loves this sport.”
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What NASCAR chairman Jim France said about NASCAR lawsuit settlement
NASCAR chairman and CEO Jim France testified in the trial on Dec. 9 and 10, as the final witness called by the teams before resting.
“This outcome gives all parties the flexibility and confidence to continue delivering unforgettable racing moments for our fans, which has always been our highest priority since the sport was founded in 1948.,” France said in a statement. “We worked closely with race teams and tracks to create the NASCAR charter system in 2016, and it has proven invaluable to their operations and to the quality of racing across the Cup Series.
“Today’s agreement reaffirms our commitment to preserving and enhancing that value, ensuring our fans continue to enjoy the very best of stock car racing for generations to come.”
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What NASCAR, Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing said about NASCAR lawsuit settlement
