5 Shocking Ways Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing Is Shaking Up NASCAR In The 2025 Season

Few names carry the weight and global recognition of Michael Jordan, and in the world of motorsports, his team, 23XI Racing, has become a powerhouse of news and controversy. As of the current date, December 15, 2025, the team co-owned by Jordan and NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin is not just competing; it is fundamentally changing the business and competitive landscape of the sport, marked by a massive expansion and a landmark legal battle that captivated the industry.

The 2025 season is proving to be the most pivotal yet for the organization, which is now in its fifth year of operation. From a bold move to expand its roster to a high-stakes antitrust lawsuit that challenged NASCAR's core structure, 23XI Racing continues to operate with the same disruptive energy that defined Jordan’s legendary basketball career.

Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing: The Powerhouse Profile

23XI Racing (pronounced "twenty-three eleven") was officially launched in the fall of 2020, with its debut season in the NASCAR Cup Series beginning in 2021. The team was founded on a vision of bringing a fresh, modern, and diverse perspective to stock car racing, immediately signing Bubba Wallace as its first driver.

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• Founding Date: Fall 2020 (Debut 2021 Season)
• Co-Owners: Michael Jordan (Majority Owner) and Denny Hamlin (40% Owner)
• Team Name Origin: A combination of Jordan’s iconic No. 23 jersey and Hamlin’s long-time No. 11 car number.
• Manufacturer: Toyota Racing Development (TRD)
• 2025 Car Numbers & Drivers:
  • No. 23: Bubba Wallace
  • No. 45: Tyler Reddick
  • No. 35: Riley Herbst (New for 2025)
• Home Base: Huntersville, North Carolina
• Key Milestones: First win at Talladega Superspeedway (Bubba Wallace, 2021); Multiple wins and playoff appearances.

1. The Landmark Antitrust Lawsuit Settlement That Rocked NASCAR

The biggest story dominating the 2025 season was not a race win, but a court settlement. 23XI Racing, alongside Front Row Motorsports, filed a high-profile antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, alleging violations related to the sport’s restrictive charter system. This system dictates which teams have guaranteed entry and a share of the TV revenue, a crucial financial component for any team’s long-term viability.

The lawsuit centered on the terms of the charter agreement, which the teams argued were too restrictive and undervalued their contributions.

A Victory Off the Track:

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The case, which had been in trial for over a year, ended in a settlement in late 2025. While the exact terms of the settlement remain confidential, it was widely viewed as a significant win for the teams, forcing NASCAR to address the long-standing financial concerns of its owners.

Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin stated the lawsuit was always "about progress" for the sport, signaling that their involvement is not just about winning races but about shaping a more equitable and sustainable business model for the future of the NASCAR Cup Series.

2. Massive Expansion to a Three-Car Super Team for 2025

In a clear sign of the team’s stability and Jordan’s commitment, 23XI Racing announced a major expansion for the 2025 season, moving from a two-car operation to a three-car team. This move immediately elevates 23XI’s status within the garage and increases its collective data and competitive advantage.

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The expansion includes the addition of the No. 35 Monster Energy Toyota, driven by rookie Riley Herbst.

The 2025 Driver Lineup:

• Bubba Wallace (#23): The foundational driver of the team, Wallace continues to be a consistent contender, especially on superspeedways. His performance is key to the team’s identity and mission.
• Tyler Reddick (#45): A proven talent known for his aggressive style and success on road courses and intermediate tracks, Reddick is a championship-caliber driver who anchors the team’s competitive aspirations.
• Riley Herbst (#35): The new addition brings a fresh dynamic to the team, with his car being primarily sponsored by Monster Energy, a major player in motorsports. This move signifies 23XI’s focus on long-term driver development.

3. Securing Major Corporate Sponsorships and Financial Backing

The financial health of a NASCAR team is directly tied to its ability to attract and retain top-tier corporate sponsors. 23XI Racing, leveraging the star power of Michael Jordan, has consistently secured lucrative partnerships, and the 2025 season is no exception. These deals not only fund the operation but also validate the team's growing influence.

New and expanded partnerships for the 2025 season include:

• Robinhood: The financial services platform joined as an official partner, further bridging the gap between sports, finance, and technology.
• Coca-Cola Consolidated: Expanding their involvement, the beverage giant joined as an official sponsor, securing the official soft drink partnership for the team.
• Leidos: The technology and engineering company continues its primary sponsorship of Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 Camry for multiple races.
• Pinnacle Financial Partners: The team expanded its partnership with the financial institution, showcasing a deepening relationship with regional corporate leaders.

4. The Pursuit of the NASCAR Championship Charter

While the antitrust lawsuit was settled, the underlying issue of securing a permanent, revenue-sharing charter remains a central focus for 23XI Racing. The team has been operating with a mix of purchased and leased charters since its inception, including the permanent charter used for the No. 45 car. The expansion to a third car means the No. 35 will likely run as a non-chartered entry initially, or the team will aggressively pursue a new charter acquisition.

Jordan and Hamlin’s long-term "five-year blueprint" has always been to transform 23XI into a championship-contending organization. The challenge of charter acquisition highlights the team’s commitment to securing its future and achieving the financial security necessary to compete with established multi-car operations.

5. The Jordan Effect: Diversifying NASCAR’s Audience and Image

Michael Jordan's involvement has had an immeasurable impact on NASCAR’s visibility to a global, non-traditional audience. His presence in the garage, coupled with the hiring of Bubba Wallace—the only Black full-time driver in the Cup Series—immediately injected a new level of cultural relevance into the sport.

The team’s name, 23XI, is a constant reminder of Jordan’s legacy, drawing media attention from major outlets that typically cover basketball or general sports, not just motorsports. This 'Jordan Effect' helps NASCAR reach younger, more diverse fans, a critical goal for the sport's continued growth and evolution. As 23XI Racing enters its fifth year, its success on the track—including multiple Next Gen car victories—is now a core part of its narrative, proving that the team is built to last and compete at the highest level.