In a stunning twist in the world of NASCAR, Bubba Wallace has reportedly issued a bold ultimatum to 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. According to sources close to the team, Wallace is demanding a significant financial resolution, threatening that failure to meet his terms could lead to the departure of star driver Kyle Larson. This development has sent shockwaves through the racing community, raising questions about team dynamics, financial pressures, and the future of one of NASCAR’s most prominent outfits.

The drama unfolds against a backdrop of recent tensions between Wallace and Larson, who have had multiple on-track incidents that have fueled speculation about their professional relationship. A notable clash at Darlington earlier this year, where newly released data shed fresh light on a controversial wreck, has only intensified scrutiny. Wallace, driving the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE for 23XI Racing, has been a polarizing figure in NASCAR, known for his historic achievements and outspoken nature. Meanwhile, Larson, a Hendrick Motorsports driver and former NASCAR champion, remains a central figure in the sport, making any threat to his position a major talking point.

Sources indicate that Wallace’s ultimatum stems from ongoing frustrations within the 23XI Racing organization. While specific details of his demands remain under wraps, insiders suggest that Wallace is pushing for changes in team funding or resource allocation to ensure long-term competitiveness. “Things you want more, cost more,” Michael Jordan reportedly texted Wallace after a recent race at Daytona, a cryptic message that hints at the financial stakes involved. This quote, shared by Wallace on The Dale Jr. Download podcast, underscores the high-pressure environment within the team, where expectations from a figure like Jordan loom large.

The mention of Kyle Larson in Wallace’s ultimatum has raised eyebrows, given Larson’s status as one of NASCAR’s top talents. While Larson is not a 23XI Racing driver, his name being tied to this situation suggests deeper implications, possibly involving sponsorship deals or cross-team collaborations. Some speculate that Wallace’s reference to Larson could be a strategic move to highlight the broader financial challenges facing NASCAR teams, including 23XI Racing. The team has recently been embroiled in legal disputes, with NASCAR accusing 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports of falsifying evidence in a lawsuit, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Wallace’s bold stance is not without precedent. In 2022, he faced a one-race suspension after intentionally wrecking Larson at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, an incident that saw him shove the reigning champion in a heated confrontation. Reflecting on that moment, Wallace said, “I intend to learn from this,” acknowledging the need for personal growth. Yet, the Darlington incident earlier this year reignited debates about their rivalry, with Larson’s team radio pointing the blame at Wallace for a late-race move that altered the outcome. “Karma’s quick in this sport,” Wallace remarked after a separate incident at Richmond, suggesting he sees a pattern in their encounters.

The racing community is buzzing with speculation about what Wallace’s ultimatum means for 23XI Racing’s future. Michael Jordan’s involvement in NASCAR has brought unprecedented attention to the sport, but it has also come with intense pressure to deliver results. With Wallace’s historic Brickyard 400 win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July 2025, where he became the first Black driver to triumph on the 2.5-mile oval, the team has proven its potential. However, financial disputes and internal tensions could jeopardize this progress.

As the NASCAR season progresses, all eyes are on 23XI Racing to see how they navigate this high-stakes drama. Will Wallace’s demands be met, or is this a bluff that could backfire? Could Larson’s name being dragged into the conversation signal a larger shake-up in the sport? For now, the racing world waits with bated breath, eager to see how Michael Jordan’s team responds to this unprecedented challenge. One thing is clear: in a sport where speed and strategy reign supreme, the off-track battles can be just as gripping.