Just over two months after Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing settled a major lawsuit against NASCAR, the sports icon is happy with what came out of the 15-month-long process.
He’ll be even happier with the result of Sunday’s Daytona 500.
Jordan’s team got its first win at Daytona with the No. 45 car, as Tyler Reddick won the race after an action-packed final lap.
FINAL LAPS: Tyler Reddick outlasts Chase Elliott to win 2026 Daytona 500 | NASCAR on FOX
In an interview with FOX Sports’ Jamie Little ahead of Sunday’s race, Jordan shared that he thinks the settlement will be a boon for both 23XI Racing and NASCAR moving forward.
“Communication — the thing is, both sides have been somewhat at a stalemate and we both needed to have conversations about change, how we can grow this sport,” Jordan said. “Unfortunately, we had to go through what we had to go through last summer. But I think coming out of that, you have a much better appreciation for each other and I think it opens up conversations amongst each other to continue to grow the game.
“Don’t forget about the fans. The fans make this game so much enjoyable to watch. As much as we can listen, change, please the fans, please the teams and continue to grow the sport, I think everybody’s going to be OK.”
Michael Jordan Opens up About 23XI Lawsuit Against NASCAR & More
[FULL RACE COVERAGE: Daytona 500 Live Updates, Leaderboard]
The settlement awarded 23XI Racing and Entrance Row Motorsports charters after each relinquished their charters after they didn’t signal the 2025-31 settlement to pursue the lawsuit. It additionally included an modification with an settlement for all groups to have a type of “evergreen charters.”
Whereas the 2 sides had been in a position to attain an settlement, that got here after an eight-day trial course of in courtroom. The lawsuit additionally led to a fairly stark change in NASCAR, with charters for all groups turning into everlasting and a return of the “Three-Strike Rule.” Groups may even obtain income from NASCAR’s worldwide media rights deal.
With the lawsuit behind 23XI Racing, the main target for Jordan’s crew is now getting optimistic outcomes after a down 12 months in 2025. The crew solely gained one race, with Bubba Wallace capturing a victory on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Tyler Reddick took successful within the standings, and he is about to change into a free agent on the finish of the 2026 season.
As there’s some strain on 23XI Racing, Jordan is hoping his crew can set the tone for the brand new season at Sunday’s Daytona 500.
“We obtained a few younger children which might be studying. We have got a few veterans which might be going to be up entrance. I believe we have got a very good crew, good leaders and hopefully one of many 4 — I am going to take any one of many 4 — wins,” Jordan stated. “I wish to see us on the finish, all 4 vehicles, which could be very troublesome, particularly at a race like this. You simply have to keep away from the large one. But when we will put ourselves in a very good place, that is all I am going to ever ask for.”
