Nick Saban achieves ‘goal’ by becoming minority owner of NHL team

Nick Saban now owns part of an NHL franchise.

The former University of Alabama football coach is part of a group that recently purchased a minority stake in the Nashville Predators, the team announced on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, who took over as the organization’s majority owner in July, expressed excitement about having Saban ‘join us in our pursuit of championships on the ice in Nashville.’

“Being involved in a sports team in Nashville has always been a goal and the opportunity to partner in the Predators with a class act like Bill Haslam created the perfect scenario,’ Saban said in a news release.

Saban’s share of the team is being purchased through Dream Sports Ventures LLC, an entity controlled by Saban and business partner Joe Agresti. The group also owns Dream Motor Group, which includes 10 auto dealerships in the Southeast.

Saban is a well-known Predators fans, according to The Tennessean, and he spoke to the team’s prospects at the franchise’s development camp this past summer.

‘The Preds are a great organization with a fantastic brand, and we are excited to be part of the future success of the franchise,’ Saban said.

Saban, 74, retired after 17 years as Alabama’s coach following the 2023 season and finished his career with a record seven national championships. He currently serves as a co-host on ESPN’s ‘College GameDay.’