Could NASCAR lose Michael Jordan and 23XI after latest court ruling? Team owner provides crucial update

Following a recent court ruling, questions have been raised about the future of 23XI Racing, the NASCAR team co-owned by NBA icon Michael Jordan and Cup Series star Denny Hamlin.

23XI, along with Front Row Motorsports, are currently involved in an antitrust lawsuit with NASCAR after suing the stock car racing series last October when they refused to sign up to their new charter agreement.

Last December, 23XI and FRM won a preliminary injunction that allowed them to race with chartered status in 2025 but, despite that, NASCAR appealed this, and last week, a federal appeals court overturned the previous ruling.

23XI and FRM have not yet revealed whether they plan to appeal the latest decision, but in theory, NASCAR could soon strip both teams of their charters.

This would mean they would have to qualify their way in every weekend, with the difference between running with open entries compared to chartered standing in the 'tens of millions' according to Hamlin.

Will 23XI leave NASCAR if they lose their charters?

Despite that looming threat, Hamlin has reassured fans and his team that 23XI Racing remains committed to racing and completing the 2025 season as open entries if they have to.

23XI made that commitment last December prior to being granted an injunction, and Hamlin has reaffirmed that at Michigan this past weekend.

"Same as what we said in December is that we’re committed to running this season open if we have to, even before they decided on the injunction," Hamlin replied when asked what could happen if 23XI lost their charters.

“So we’re going to race and fulfil all of our commitments no matter what.

“We’re here to race. Our team is going to be here for the long haul, and we’re confident of that.”

Hamlin also revealed that it was business as usual for 23XI employees, detailing that the team had been totally transparent with its staff throughout the process.

“We’ve been very transparent with all of our employees during this entire process,” Hamlin explained.

“Every time something comes along we communicate that before it becomes public, so we’ve been very transparent.

“One of the things we remain steadfast in saying is that nothing will change in their lives, and we’re going to make sure that everyone’s taken care of and everyone should plan on work as scheduled.”

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