Michael Jordan says that taking his "competitive gene" to NASCAR isn't just about winning races, it’s about changing the sport  entirely. In a sit-down with Gayle King on "CBS Sunday Morning," the NBA legend opened up about why he’s traded his sneakers for a pit crew and what it’s like living under the weight of being a global icon.

As the co-founder of 23XI Racing, the six-time NBA champion isn't just a figurehead; he’s a man honoring his roots. He told King that his love for cars started with his late father, James Jordan, a "diehard mechanic" who spent his time under the hood of neighborhood cars. That family bond turned a rumored partnership with veteran driver Denny Hamlin into a reality back in 2020, and since then, the Hall of Famer has shaken up NASCAR’s traditional power structure.

The road hasn't been smooth. Jordan brought a high-stakes antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR calling the sport's charter system "lopsided." While the legal battle was intense, it led to a landmark settlement in December 2025. Jim France, the NASCAR chairman and CEO, confirmed the deal that gave teams "evergreen" charters and better terms. For the 23XI owner, the fight was bigger than a trophy; it was about making sure the sport was fair for everyone involved. He told King he was willing to get kicked out of the sport if it meant people finally realized that change was necessary.

Even with the new wins in racing, he got real about the "burden" of his basketball legacy. Jordan said he grew tired of the pressure to maintain everyone’s perspective of him during his legendary run in Chicago. He admitted there’s still a "huge piece" of him that wants to grab a basketball, but he’s found a way to channel that fire into 23XI Racing and even fishing.

Interestingly, the man most people call the "Greatest of All Time" actually hates the title. He told King there is no such thing as a "G.O.A.T." because every athlete learns from the ones who came before them. To him, the game is a constant progression, and trying to rank one person over another doesn't sit right with him.

Now 63, he is focused on the culture of his team. Whether it’s watching driver Tyler Reddick rack up wins or dealing with the "sadness" that comes with a loss, he’s fully invested. He told King that if everything ended today, he’d have a smile on his face, knowing he didn't change a single thing about his journey.