Michael Jordan puts NASCAR on the ropes with monopoly accusations

Michael Jordan, joined by Bob Jenkins, has become the center of a case already dominating the sports agenda in the United States. The lawsuit against NASCAR for alleged anti-competitive practices entered its second week. Revelations in court have already sent shockwaves through the racing community.

Internal messages and leadership attitudes surfaced, giving Michael Jordan and his partner an apparent edge in the legal battle.

The two teams suing NASCAR are asking for about $365 million in combined damages from the series for alleged anti-competitive conduct, per its economist who did the calculation.

➡️ He also disputed that @NASCAR would go bankrupt if forced to pay an extra $300M per year to teams.

— Adam Stern (@A_S12) December 8, 2025

The teams’ strategy

Michael Jordan relied on economist Edward Snyder, former dean at top universities, to explain to the jury how NASCAR’s payout structure reflects monopoly behavior. The expert argued that exclusivity agreements limit new competitors and reduce revenue for teams like 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.

Here’s the breakdown of the $365 million in combined damages that 23XI and Front Row are suing NASCAR for. pic.twitter.com/o6W9XiUKUX

— Adam Stern (@A_S12) December 8, 2025

As Firstsportz reported, Snyder insisted the plaintiffs deserve the $365 million they are seeking. He also noted NASCAR has distributed similar amounts in dividends and recent payments.

The compensation dispute

Michael Jordan and Bob Jenkins would not receive equal shares. The 23XI team, tied to the NBA legend, claims over $215 million, while FRM seeks nearly $149 million. The gap comes from market value reduction, which Jordan’s team argues hit them harder.

The case has placed NASCAR’s revenue distribution under scrutiny. It’s a debate that could reshape the championship’s dynamics in the coming years, with Jordan at the center.

A key testimony

Michael Jordan watched NASCAR’s lawyers attempt to discredit the expert during cross-examination. Reports suggest the defense failed, and Snyder’s testimony kept its weight with the jury.

.@NASCAR lawyer Larry Buterman has spent the afternoon trying to get team expert economist Edward Snyder to admit that comparing NASCAR to F1 is offbase, that he didn’t prepare thoroughly and that he’s not enough of an expert on teams or tracks to form the basis of his testimony.

— Adam Stern (@A_S12) December 8, 2025

The legal battle continues, and each session makes clear that Michael Jordan and Jenkins are not only chasing money. They also aim to spark a broader discussion about transparency and competitiveness in American motorsport.