Michael Waltrip Takes on Ownership Role With Nashville Kats

‍⁤ ⁣ Updated June 20, 2025
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NASHVILLE, tenn. – Two-time Daytona ⁢500 champion Michael Waltrip is the newest member of the Nashville Kats ownership group. The Arena Football 1 (AF1) franchise made the announcement Friday.

Waltrip’s craft beer company, Michael ⁣Waltrip Brewing, also joins the team ⁤as ⁣the official craft beer provider. The⁢ ownership ‍group already includes former NFL coach Jon Gruden. Jeff Fisher, previously ⁣with the Los Angeles Rams ⁢and Tennessee Titans, is the majority owner.

Bobby DeVoursney, CEO⁣ and⁢ managing partner for the Kats, emphasized the importance⁢ of the new addition. “We now have three living legends⁤ attached to the Nashville Kats,” DeVoursney said, referring to ‍Fisher, Gruden, and Waltrip. He added that their shared goal is “to win championships and raise the AF1 to its ultimate potential.”

The team is planning a “Waltrip Winner’s Circle” ⁣fan‍ zone for the upcoming season.

The Kats ⁣will play the Southwest ⁣Kansas Storm⁣ in Clarksville on Sunday in the AF1 semifinals.

What’s next

The Kats aim to capitalize on the star power of their ownership group to ⁤boost the⁤ team’s profile and ‍pursue an ⁢AF1 championship.