NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Nashville Predators announced that former Gov. Bill Haslam will become the majority owner of the hockey team.
"From the time our ownership group, made up of day one season ticket holders, gathered together in 2007 to purchase and guarantee the franchise's future in Nashville, the goal has been to ensure that stewardship of the team is in strong local hands," said Sean Henry, president and CEO of the Predators and Bridgestone Arena. "The pending addition of Governor Haslam to the ownership group solidifies that local stewardship for years to come, with the shared philosophy for making SMASHVILLE the most unique sports market in our league and country as our players and coaches compete for the Stanley Cup each season. We are excited and appreciative that he has agreed to join the ownership team."
Reports coming out late Thursday night alluded that the ownership would change hands. Predators officials said Haslam will enter in as a minority owner in the next few months before becoming the majority stakeholder. The team's current ownership is led by Herbert Fritch.
Sportico estimates the team is worth $680 million, making it the sixth-lowest hockey team valuation in the NHL. The team was bought for $175 million back in 2007.
