Michael Jordan hasn't spent much time discussing the Chicago Bulls lately. But his involvement in NASCAR continues to grow, and recent comments from the sport's top executive reveal just how invested the six-time NBA champion has become.
Michael Jordan spent most of his basketball career making life miserable for opposing teams. Apparently, retirement hasn't made him any less demanding.
Only now, instead of worrying about the next opponent on the Bulls' schedule, he's asking questions about NASCAR regulations, testing procedures and young drivers.
And he's taking those questions straight to the person running the sport.
NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell recently discussed his relationship with Jordan, revealing that the former Bulls superstar regularly contacts him about issues affecting his 23XI Racing team.
For someone who could easily sit back and collect a return on his investment, Jordan seems determined to be involved in just about everything.
Michael Jordan's relationship with NASCAR takes surprising turn
Speaking with the Daily Mail, O'Donnell described his relationship with Jordan as considerably different from what it was less than a year ago.
"I would say from my perspective, fantastic," O'Donnell said. "He is all in. He's done everything we've asked of him."
That's an interesting development considering Jordan's team was involved in an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR.
The dispute, which also involved Front Row Motorsports, ended in a settlement in December 2025.
Now Jordan is texting the CEO about competition rules and Corey Heim's eligibility for Rookie of the Year honors when he moves into a full-time Cup Series role in 2027.
Those aren't exactly the questions someone asks when they're treating team ownership as a weekend hobby.
Jordan wants answers because the details affect his team's ability to compete.
Sound familiar?
Bulls legend hasn't lost his competitive obsession
Jordan's interest in racing isn't particularly surprising. He's been around NASCAR for years and established 23XI Racing with Denny Hamlin in 2020.
What's changed is how much success the organization is enjoying.
Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500 earlier this year, giving Jordan another championship-level celebration, albeit in a completely different sport.
Jordan was there to enjoy it.
That race happened to fall on the same day as the NBA All-Star Game. While basketball celebrated its biggest stars, one of the greatest players in league history was celebrating in victory lane.
That choice probably says more about his current interests than another television interview ever could.
Jordan also sold his majority ownership stake in the Charlotte Hornets in 2023. His connection to professional basketball remains undeniable, but NASCAR has become the place where he's actively chasing victories.
Jordan has found another challenge worth pursuing
There was a time when Jordan's postplaying career revolved around building a successful NBA franchise.
That chapter didn't produce anything resembling his success with Chicago.
His racing operation, however, has developed into a legitimate contender.
And judging by O'Donnell's comments, Jordan isn't satisfied with simply watching from the sidelines.
He's asking questions, challenging decisions and staying involved.
The Bulls will always be the team most closely associated with Michael Jordan.
But these days, the competition keeping him occupied has four wheels instead of a basketball
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