The Nashville Predators is a professional NHL ice-hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The team plays in the Western Conference and calls Bridgestone Arena its home. Founded in 1998, the Predators quickly became one of the NHL’s most energetic and passionate franchises.
The franchise was originally awarded in 1997 and began play in 1998 under the ownership of Craig Leipold. Over the years, the team grew with strong community support and today stands as a major sports brand in Tennessee.
As of 2025, the team is led by its majority owner Bill Haslam, a businessman and former governor of Tennessee.
Ownership Status of Nashville Predators
Today, the Nashville Predators do not have a single private owner. They are owned through a private holding group called Predators Holdings LLC. Ownership is shared among multiple investors, but the majority controlling stake belongs to Bill Haslam.
In July 2025, Haslam officially became the majority owner, gaining 57% ownership of the franchise. This made him the primary decision-maker and Chairman of the Predators Board of Governors.
Major Shareholders
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bill Haslam | 57% | Became majority owner in July 2025 after gradually increasing stake. |
| Predators Holdings LLC partners | Remaining shares | Includes several local Tennessee investors and business figures. |
Note: The remaining ownership is divided among private investors within Predators Holdings LLC.
About Bill Haslam (Majority Owner)
Bill Haslam is an American businessman and politician born on August 23, 1958, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He graduated from Emory University and later joined his family’s business — the well-known Pilot Flying J fuel and travel-center company.
He served as the Mayor of Knoxville and later became the 49th Governor of Tennessee, serving from 2011 to 2019. Haslam is widely recognized for his leadership in business, education, and state development.
Beyond politics and business, he has a passion for sports. He is also a co-owner of the Tennessee Smokies minor league baseball team. His business experience and long-standing community involvement played a major role in his smooth transition into professional sports ownership.
Bill Haslam Net Worth
Bill Haslam is one of the wealthiest individuals in Tennessee. His wealth primarily comes from the Pilot Flying J empire, founded by his family.
As of the latest estimates, Bill Haslam’s net worth is around $5.1 billion. This makes him one of the wealthiest former governors in U.S. history and provides him with the financial strength to become the majority owner of an NHL franchise.
His strong financial background is one of the reasons he was able to increase his stake and eventually take over majority control of the Nashville Predators in 2025.
Key Shareholder Highlights
- Bill Haslam is the most influential owner with 57% control, giving him the authority in major strategic decisions.
- Other investors hold smaller stakes and are part of the Predators Holdings LLC group.
- Haslam’s takeover marks one of the biggest leadership shifts in the team’s history.
Recent Developments in Ownership
- In 2022, Bill Haslam began purchasing shares of the Predators.
- By July 1, 2025, he completed the process and officially became the majority stakeholder with 57% ownership.
- This shift gave the franchise a clearer leadership structure and long-term stability.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Nashville Predators?
The Predators are owned by Predators Holdings LLC, with Bill Haslam holding the majority 57% stake.
2. Is the Nashville Predators team publicly traded?
No. It is a privately owned franchise, not publicly traded.
3. Who founded the Nashville Predators?
The franchise was originally founded by Craig Leipold in 1998.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
Yes. In 2025, Bill Haslam became the majority owner after increasing his ownership stake.
Nashville Predators Official Site
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