Michael Jordan, legendary basketball icon and current co-owner of the NASCAR team 23XI Racing, is reportedly considering firing Bubba Wallace following a string of controversies involving the driver. Tension within the team has reached a boiling point after Wallace’s recent actions and statements, which appear to defy direct instructions from Jordan himself.

According to insiders close to the situation, Jordan had earlier urged Wallace and the entire team to maintain a low profile and remain focused on racing after a turbulent first half of the season. Wallace, however, stunned fans and officials alike when he delivered an emotionally charged response that many interpret as a direct challenge to Jordan’s authority.
The drama began brewing several weeks ago, with Wallace drawing criticism over several heated post-race interviews, run-ins with other drivers, and off-track comments that drew both support and backlash from the racing community. While Wallace has been known as a bold and outspoken figure, his latest behavior has left even longtime supporters questioning his direction.
Sources suggest that Jordan, who has remained relatively quiet in public about internal team matters, has grown increasingly frustrated with Wallace’s defiance. “Michael wanted everyone to calm down and focus on performance,” one insider revealed. “He didn’t want the team to become a soap opera. But Bubba’s response wasn’t just noise — it was a clear message that he’s not backing down.”
Wallace’s comments, made during an unfiltered video on social media, included strong language and what some viewed as veiled criticism of the team’s management. While he did not mention Jordan by name, the tone and timing of the remarks made it apparent to many that he was pushing back against recent restrictions on his public image.
The 23XI Racing team, formed in 2020 with co-owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, has been closely watched since its debut. Wallace was brought on as the face of the team and symbol of diversity in a sport historically lacking in it. While he has had moments of success on the track, including a couple of wins, consistency and composure have often been called into question.
Now, the future of Wallace’s role at 23XI is uncertain. Rumors are swirling about potential replacements, and some in the paddock are already speculating on how long he has left with the team. Meanwhile, fans are divided — with some rallying behind Wallace’s fiery personality and others urging him to dial it back for the good of the team.
No official statement has been made by Jordan or 23XI Racing yet. However, given the escalating nature of the conflict and the public spectacle it has become, a decision may be imminent. Whether Wallace remains with the team or not, this episode marks a pivotal moment in his career — and in Michael Jordan’s journey as a team owner in the high-stakes world of NASCAR.