A landmark settlement just ended Michael Jordan and NASCAR’s high-profile antitrust trial in Charlotte, delivering race teams the permanent charters they spent years fighting for.
The agreement came on the ninth day of testimony inside Uptown Charlotte’s U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, where Judge Kenneth Bell had been presiding over the case.
Settlement Reshapes NASCAR’s Power Structure
Financial terms remain confidential, but NASCAR confirmed it will now grant permanent, or “evergreen,” charters — a historic shift that gives teams lasting ownership, guaranteed race access, and long-term equity.
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed the lawsuit after refusing to sign NASCAR’s 2024 charter agreement, arguing the sport’s revenue model left teams unable to stay profitable. Both organizations raced most of the 2025 season without charters and said losing the case would have shut them down.
What the Deal Changes
Permanent Charters: Teams now hold franchise-style assets similar to the NFL and NBA, ending years of uncertainty.
Improved Financial Stability: Testimony showed many teams struggled under the previous structure; the new model creates security and value.
More Team Influence: The settlement signals a more balanced decision-making process, reducing NASCAR’s unilateral control.
23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR just issued the following joint statement:
“NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports are pleased to announce a mutually agreed-upon resolution that delivers long-term stability and creates the conditions for meaningful growth for all teams in a more competitive environment.
This resolution reflects our shared commitment to maintaining a fair and equitable framework for long-term participation in America’s premier motorsport, one that supports teams, partners, and stakeholders while ensuring fans enjoy uninterrupted access to the best racing in the world. The agreement allows all parties to move forward with a unified focus on advancing stock car racing and delivering exceptional competition for our fans.”
