Who Owns and Manages 23XI Racing?
Updated
23XI Racing is co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. The team competes in the NASCAR Cup Series and fields Toyota cars. The name "23XI" combines Jordan's iconic No. 23 jersey number with Hamlin's No. 11 car number, with "XI" being the Roman numeral for 11.
The Ownership Structure
Michael Jordan — Co-Owner
Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, became the first majority Black owner of a NASCAR Cup Series team in over five decades when 23XI Racing was announced. His involvement brought mainstream attention and significant commercial weight to the team.
Denny Hamlin — Co-Owner
Denny Hamlin is a veteran NASCAR Cup Series driver who also serves as a co-owner of 23XI Racing. While he continues to compete for Joe Gibbs Racing, his ownership role at 23XI represents a separate business venture. Hamlin has been instrumental in the team's day-to-day racing operations and driver development.
The Name Explained
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 23 | Michael Jordan's jersey number with the Chicago Bulls |
| XI | Roman numeral for 11, Denny Hamlin's car number |
Management and Key Personnel
The team's day-to-day operations are led by a management group that oversees competition, business affairs, and partnerships. Key leadership includes:
- Team President — responsible for overall business strategy and operations
- Competition Director — oversees race-day performance and technical development
- Partnerships/Marketing Team — manages sponsor relationships and brand activations
Specific names and titles in these roles have evolved since the team's founding. For the most current leadership roster, check the official team website's "About" or "Team" section.
Manufacturer and Sponsorship Partners
Manufacturer
23XI Racing fields Toyota cars in the NASCAR Cup Series. This aligns the team with Toyota Racing Development (TRD), which provides engines, technical support, and chassis development resources.
Primary Sponsors
The team has secured major sponsorship backing, including:
- Monster Energy — a prominent partner associated with the team's branding and driver lineup
- Other partners — additional sponsors appear on the car livery and team communications, often changing by race or season
Sponsorship arrangements in NASCAR are frequently multi-year but can shift. For the current sponsor lineup, refer to the team's official site or recent race broadcasts.
What This Means for Fans
Understanding the ownership and management structure helps explain:
- Why the team has high visibility — Jordan's star power attracts media and sponsors
- How decisions are made — Hamlin's racing expertise shapes competitive choices, while Jordan's business acumen drives commercial growth
- Where to follow updates — the official site (23xiracing.com) and team social channels are the primary sources for leadership and partner news
If you're looking for specific executive names, current sponsor lists, or organizational charts, the official team website remains the most reliable and up-to-date resource.