{"id":686298,"date":"2026-03-29T16:57:18","date_gmt":"2026-03-29T16:57:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/686298\/"},"modified":"2026-03-29T16:57:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T16:57:18","slug":"michael-jordan-willing-to-be-kicked-out-of-nascar-to-fix-wage-gap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/686298\/","title":{"rendered":"Michael Jordan Willing to be “Kicked Out” ‘of NASCAR to Fix Wage Gap"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Michael\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Michael Jordan’s lawsuit sparked radical changes in NASCAR<\/p>\n

Michael Jordan<\/a> may be a newcomer to NASCAR<\/a>, but the Chicago Bulls<\/a> icon is already radicalizing the sport.<\/p>\n

During a sit-down interview with CBS reporter Gayle King<\/a>, the six-time NBA champion<\/a> Jordan detailed how his lawsuit against NASCAR led to a massive change in NASCAR\u2019s pay structure.<\/p>\n

Jordan noted that he was willing to be \u201ckicked out\u201d of NASCAR in his fight to increase compensation for race teams.<\/p>\n

A snippet of that interview has been released, with Jordan once again confirming his desire to change the sport with the lawsuit.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I got into the sport, as I learned, there were a lot of things I wasn\u2019t really happy about,\u201d explained Jordan. \u201cThe sport was not set up for success, long-term, for the individuals who were involved in the sport. Now, up top, yeah, they were making a good living. And the people that were putting on the show were not getting the type of recognition \u2014 or were compensated fairly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jordan officially entered NASCAR as a majority team owner on September 21, 2020, announcing the formation of 23XI Racing. Partnering with driver Denny Hamlin, Jordan launched the team for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season. NASCAR legend Bubba Wallace was the team\u2019s first driver, purchasing a charter from Germain Racing.<\/p>\n

Once the Bulls legend acclimated to NASCAR, he quickly realized that a reform in payment structure was needed.<\/p>\n

Instead of the drivers that risk life and limb on the oval, race team owners were cashing in<\/a> big after each race.<\/p>\n

Jordan made it his mission to narrow the wage gap.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone had to step forward to challenge NASCAR,\u201d said Jordan<\/a>, a co-owner of 23XI Racing.<\/p>\n

Michael Jordan Settlement is a Huge Win For NASCAR\"Michael<\/p>\n

GettyMichael Jordan risked his team ownership to narrow wage gap in NASCAR<\/p>\n

The former MVP told Gayle King that he knew his lawsuit<\/a> against NASCAR and its controlling executives could cost him a spot among NASCAR ownership. Still, he pressed forward to improve compensation<\/a> for race teams.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe needed changes,\u201d Jordan said. \u201cEven if I get kicked out of the sport. Even if I lose the lawsuit, I\u2019m going to wake some people up. And help some people to understand that what they are doing is wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jordan said NASCAR needs to be run more like the NBA<\/a>, with a mutually beneficial partnership<\/a> between the league and its teams.<\/p>\n

Before the lawsuit, drivers raced with no insurance or a union protecting them. They also received pennies on the dollar for what they helped generate for television networks.<\/p>\n

The case reached trial in December 2025 in Charlotte. After eight days of testimony \u2014 including Jordan taking the stand \u2014 the parties settled on Dec. 11. The agreement delivered permanent \u201cevergreen\u201d charters for all teams and, notably, improved revenue distribution.<\/p>\n

Under the new charter rules, each NASCAR racecar will be worth roughly $60 million more than before. Plus, drivers and team owners will have a stronger voice in future decisions.<\/p>\n

Jordan\u2019s 23XI Racing Can\u2019t Stop Winning\"Michael<\/p>\n

Getty23XI Racing won the 2026 Daytona 500<\/p>\n

Now that the lawsuit is settled, Jordan can return his focus to winning on the track, not just the courtroom.<\/p>\n

Jordan\u2019s 23XI racing team has been on a tear lately.<\/p>\n

Tyler Reddick, a driver for 23XI Racing, secured his fourth NASCAR Cup Series win in just six races in 2026, including a statement victory in the Daytona 500<\/a>.<\/p>\n

His win marked his first victory in the \u201cGreat American Race\u201d and the first for 23XI Racing.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJalyn Smoot<\/a> Jalyn Smoot is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has nearly 10 years of experience in local and national media, including print and digital. He previously covered the Texas Rangers for MLB.com and the Philadelphia 76ers for Metro Philadelphia. Smoot is a St. Louis born writer that now resides in Dallas. More about Jalyn Smoot<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Bulls\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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