John Ingram Takes Majority Stake In Nashville's Pro Soccer Club
In a move that bodes well for the expansion of professional soccer in Nashville — and the economic growth that comes with a major sports team — billionaire John Ingram has acquired a majority interest in DMD Soccer, owner of the 2018 United Soccer League expansion franchise Nashville Soccer Club. Nashville SC will debut in the USL in the 2018 season.
DMD Soccer is now committed to elevate and expand professional soccer in Music City, Ingram, a longtime supporter of sports in Nashville, said in a statement. “We plan to give Nashville SC fans an exceptional soccer experience ... which will lead to a successful debut in the USL as we continue to grow the game in Nashville at every level.”
Nashville SC was awarded a USL franchise in July 2016, with DMD Soccer led by local businessman David Dill and entrepreneurs Marcus Whitney and Chris Redhage. The organization hired former MLS executive Court Jeske as the club’s CEO and MLS Cup winner Gary Smith as its first head coach.
With Ingram’s acquisition of a majority share in the club, he joins a number of businessmen and experienced sports executives within the USL, including Phoenix Rising FC's Berke Bakay (Kona Grill CEO); FC Cincinnati's Carl Lindner III (American Financial Group co-CEO); and OKC Energy FC's Bob Funk Jr. (Express Employment Professionals chairman and CEO).
