In a revelation that has caught the NASCAR community by surprise, two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has opened up about a behind-the-scenes move that never came to be — a potential deal with Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing. The shocking admission came during a recent podcast appearance, where Busch discussed his contract negotiations and the turbulent period that led to his departure from Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) at the end of the 2022 season.

While fans had long speculated about Busch’s future before he ultimately signed with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), few knew that talks with 23XI Racing — co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and fellow driver Denny Hamlin — had taken place and even reached an advanced stage before falling apart.

A Deal That Almost Happened

“I had real conversations with 23XI,” Busch revealed. “There was definite interest on both sides, and we explored the possibilities pretty deeply. It wasn’t just a rumor — it was close.”

According to Busch, the idea of joining 23XI seemed like a natural fit at the time. With the team on the rise and already showing competitiveness with drivers like Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, Busch saw the potential for a fresh start in a team backed by championship ambition and major sponsorships.

“Let’s be honest — driving for Michael Jordan? That would’ve been cool,” Busch said. “But business is business, and things didn’t align the way they needed to.”

What Went Wrong

So why did the deal collapse?

Busch points to several factors, including sponsorship complications and budget constraints. At the time, 23XI was still relatively new in NASCAR, and although backed by Jordan’s star power and Hamlin’s racing expertise, it faced financial limitations when it came to signing a high-profile, high-salary driver like Busch.

“It came down to money and timing,” Busch explained. “They didn’t have the funding to make it work in the way I needed. I don’t fault them for that — it’s just the reality of racing. You can’t sign a guy like me without full sponsorship backing.”

He also noted that Toyota — the manufacturer for both JGR and 23XI — may have played a role in trying to keep him within the Toyota family, but ultimately couldn’t pull the pieces together.

“I think there was a push to keep me in Toyota. I wanted to stay, but the support just wasn’t there at the end of the day,” he said.

Reaction From 23XI Racing

When reached for comment, 23XI representatives declined to give specific details but confirmed that conversations with Busch had occurred during his free agency period. A team spokesperson stated, “Kyle Busch is one of the most talented drivers in the history of the sport. There were exploratory talks, but ultimately, our paths did not align.”

Denny Hamlin, Busch’s former teammate and co-owner of 23XI, has yet to publicly respond to the recent statements.

A New Chapter with RCR

Since moving to Richard Childress Racing, Busch has experienced a mixed but promising run. While the transition was initially met with skepticism, the veteran driver has already secured wins and injected fresh energy into the RCR camp.

“I’m happy where I’m at,” Busch said. “But it’s interesting to look back and realize how different things could’ve been. If the timing had worked out, I might’ve been racing for MJ.”

Fan Reactions Pour In

As expected, fans across social media were buzzing with reactions. Some expressed disappointment that a Jordan-Busch partnership never materialized, calling it a missed opportunity for both parties. Others were relieved, citing the strong dynamic Busch has developed with RCR.

“Busch in a Jordan fire suit would’ve been iconic,” one fan wrote on X. Another added, “Glad he found a place that works for him, but man — that 23XI move would’ve shaken things up.”

For now, the “what could have been” remains just that — but Kyle Busch’s candid revelation has added another fascinating layer to the ongoing drama of NASCAR’s modern era.