Sat Dec 06 08:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a rewritten version as a news article:

Summary:

Michael Jordan testified in an antitrust trial against NASCAR, initiated by his racing team, 23XI, and Front Row Motorsports. The lawsuit challenges NASCAR’s charter system, arguing it’s monopolistic and unfairly disadvantages teams by not offering permanent charters and limiting revenue sharing. Jordan believes the current system doesn’t foster shared responsibility for growth and that teams were pressured into signing unfavorable charter extensions. Heather Gibbs, co-owner of Joe Gibbs Racing, described the immense pressure to sign the extensions, highlighting the uncertainty and potential financial devastation without permanent charters. She recounted Joe Gibbs’s plea to NASCAR chairman Jim France, painting a picture of a sport where teams feel powerless against the series’ demands. Both Jordan and Gibbs emphasized the importance of permanent charters for stability and investment protection within NASCAR.

News Article:

Michael Jordan Takes the Stand in NASCAR Antitrust Trial, Alleges Unfair Practices

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – NBA legend Michael Jordan testified Friday in a landmark antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, joining Front Row Motorsports in accusing the racing organization of monopolistic practices that stifle team profitability and limit growth opportunities. Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, told the court he felt compelled to sue after witnessing what he described as unfair treatment of teams within the sport.

“Someone had to step forward and challenge the entity,” Jordan stated, adding that he had seen longtime owners brow-beaten and unable to make changes.

The suit centers around NASCAR’s charter system, which guarantees chartered cars a spot in every race and a portion of series revenue. However, teams argue the charters, which are currently renewable, should be made permanent to provide long-term stability and protect their investments.

Jordan testified that 23XI bought a third charter for $28 million late in 2024 even with all the uncertainty. “I’m pretty sure they know I love to win,” the six-time NBA champion said. “Denny convinced me getting a third driver improved our chances to win, so I dove in.”

Heather Gibbs, co-owner of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), provided emotional testimony about the intense pressure teams faced to sign recent charter extensions. She described a rushed, six-hour ultimatum to sign the 112-page document or forfeit their charters. “It was like a gun to your head,” Gibbs said, emphasizing the immense uncertainty and potential financial devastation for teams like JGR, which employs 450 people and relies on sponsorship and investment.

Gibbs also described the family turmoil after the sudden loss of her husband and brother-in-law, highlighting the emotional investment in the team. She recounted how her father-in-law, Joe Gibbs, pleaded with NASCAR Chairman Jim France for a more equitable agreement but was rebuffed. “Joe said, ‘Jim, you can’t do this,'” Gibbs told the jury. “And Jim was done with the conversation.”

Both Jordan and Gibbs criticized NASCAR’s unwillingness to negotiate on key issues, including permanent charters and a more equitable revenue split. Jordan compared NASCAR’s model to the NBA, where players receive approximately half of the revenue.

The trial continues, with the outcome potentially reshaping the financial landscape of NASCAR and the relationship between the series and its teams.

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