FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Nashville and Middle Tennessee both have a long history of supporting baseball, both at the Minor League level and with the Negro Leagues. Public support for the Sounds, Titans and Predators further demonstrates that Nashville residents support their sports teams.
The growing popularity of Nashville has led to rapid development and the relocation of numerous Fortune 500 businesses. Given market projections of continued growth many believe Nashville can support a Major League Baseball franchise that will generate positive net revenue for Major League Baseball owners and provide unmatched family experiences for our fans. The economic growth of Nashville makes it possible to develop this mixed-use development without public money.
If awarded a franchise, the new team will be named the “Nashville Stars” in honor of several Negro Leagues baseball teams that played games in Nashville prior to the integration of Major League Baseball. We want to honor that legacy. The name also recognizes that Nashville is home to numerous stars in music, entertainment and sports.
Music City Baseball has formed a strong partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. We believe in the mission and work of the Museum and we recognize and want to honor the contributions of the Negro Leagues to baseball and to American society. In turn, the Museum supports our mission and believes that Nashville can support a Major League Baseball franchise.
We understand there is a buy-in expansion fee to Major League Baseball owners in excess of $1 billion. Through a series of private offerings, Music City Baseball initially intends to raise more than $4.5 million to cover operating expenses for the next three years. During this initial phase we will continue our work to attract an investor or investors able to purchase the franchise.
THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC MONEY USED TO FINANCE THE BALLPARK. Investors will provide the funding to construct a state-of-the-art ballpark to house 81+ home baseball games and serve as an entertainment venue for more intimate concerts, shows and special events. We have identified several outside investors interested in participating in this project, but we hope to raise a substantial amount, if not a majority ownership interest, from local Tennessee investors.
Baseball is the Nation’s favorite pastime and Music City Baseball intends to engage families and the entire Nashville community to support the Nashville Stars. We are exploring partnerships with local community groups and non-profits.
We are proud to be partnered with Empowerment Pursuit, a non-profit organization, and baseball developmental program, to the city of Nashville and the state of Tennessee. This initiative sets out to develop a competitive and diverse baseball program, provide more opportunities in and create more exposure to underserved demographics, and to foster an empowering community that will ensure athletes’ success both on and off the field.
The leadership team and group of advisors are experienced and effective. The MCB board includes Alberto Gonzales, Board Chair, former Attorney General of the United States; John Loar, Board Member and Managing Director, real estate developer, with experience in the sports and entertainment fields; Dave Stewart, Board Member, former All-Star pitcher with the Oakland A’s and General Manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks; Bob Kendrick, Board Member, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) in Kansas City, MO; and Eddie George, Board Member & Real Estate Development Advisor, Heisman trophy winner, NFL Rookie of the Year and former running back for the Tennessee Titans.
Our baseball advisors include Tony La Russa member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame with expansive experience in baseball team management and organization (presently La Russa, who was recently named as Manager of the Chicago White Sox, will advise only during the off season); and Tim Corbin, Head Baseball Coach at Vanderbilt University and coach of the 2014 College World Series Champions.
Justin Timberlake, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Darius Rucker, Kix Brooks, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, Larry Gatlin, Mickey Guyton, and others are all part of our Music Industry Advisors and support the efforts of Music City Baseball.
The Nashville Sounds are a first class organization and have been a strong community partner for Nashville. The success of the Sounds demonstrates the strong local support for baseball.
More work is needed to determine whether Middle Tennessee can support both a Major League Baseball franchise and a Triple A minor league team. We understand there are outstanding city bonds associated with the Sounds’ stadium that may be impacted if, and when, Nashville secures a Major League Baseball franchise. We intend to work with the City, Major League Baseball and the Sounds to find a mutually acceptable and beneficial outcome for all parties.
Presently Music City Baseball has no agreement or understanding with the City (nor with any private party) about a possible stadium site. While we acknowledge interest in City owned property on the East Bank of the Cumberland River east of Nissan Stadium, our renderings are for illustrative purposes only and are intended to depict one possible location. Furthermore, MCB intends to commission a feasibility study next year to help determine the viability of Major League Baseball in Nashville. The results of that study will inform where best to locate a stadium.
Music City Baseball has had informal discussions with the Mayor and his staff. There has been no commitment of support. The Administration will require additional information and time to study the best use of City property for the people of Nashville. The Mayor has expressed support for any project that generates positive net revenue for Nashville, enhances Nashville’s reputation, provides tangible benefits to the people of Nashville and that does not require public financial support.
