NBA legend Michael Jordan appears in court as his anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR begins, accusing the racing body of monopolistic practices
MIAMI: NBA legend Michael Jordan appeared in a North Carolina courtroom on Monday as his federal anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR began with jury selection.
The case accuses the popular US auto racing circuit of monopolistic practices that stifle competition.
Analysts say a successful suit could have far-reaching implications for NASCAR.
Jordan, a co-owner of the 23XI Racing team, filed the suit with Front Row Motorsports last year after refusing to sign new NASCAR charters.
It accuses NASCAR and CEO Jim France of operating without transparency and controlling the sport to unfairly benefit themselves.
The lawsuit claims these practices come at the expense of team owners, drivers, sponsors, partners and fans.
The teams allege anti-competitive practices include NASCAR buying most top racetracks exclusive to its races.
It also cites imposing exclusivity deals on sanctioned tracks and acquiring stock car competitor ARCA.
Further accusations include preventing teams from participating in other stock car races.
The suit also claims NASCAR forces teams to buy parts from single-source suppliers it chooses.
“No other major professional sport in North America is run by a single family that enriches themselves through these kinds of unchecked monopolistic practices,” the teams said last year.
Jordan’s 23XI and Front Row were the only two of 15 NASCAR teams not to sign the new charters.
“Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor and that will to win is what drives me and the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track,” Jordan said.
“I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans.” – AFP
