In Conversation With Nashville Stars

As Major League Baseball continues to explore expansion opportunities, Nashville has consistently remained at the forefront of the conversation. Backed by strong public support, substantial financial investment, and endorsements from both city and state officials, the city has positioned itself as the leading candidate for a new MLB franchise — the Nashville Stars. While not yet an official MLB team, the Stars have already built a significant following, fueled by a strong merchandise presence and community events that have helped cultivate a passionate fan base.

We had the pleasure of visiting the Nashville Stars headquarters right here in town, where we explored everything from the team’s rich Negro Leagues heritage to its evolving identity and impact beyond the game of baseball. Amid the hustle of preparing for their latest merchandise drop, it was a busy day for the Nashville Stars' brand team. Still, they made time to answer a few questions — including one that both Nashville natives and MLB fans everywhere are eager to have answered.

EDMOND PHILLIPS

NASHVILLE STARS

For those who may not know, can you share the history behind the Nashville Stars name and what it represents?

The Nashville Stars name originates from a Negro Leagues team that played in Nashville during the 1940s and 1950s. If successful, this effort will mark the first time a Major League Baseball team is named after a Negro Leagues team, creating a historic and meaningful milestone. Our brand is expected to have national fan appeal, resonating with a wide audience. No MLB franchise has ever been named in honor of a Negro Leagues team, and by being the first to do so, we believe people of all backgrounds will understand and appreciate the deeper significance of what our organization represents.

The Stars' identity is deeply rooted in history, and it's clear that this movement represents more than just baseball. Even without official MLB status, the Stars already have a strong presence in the community—what has been your approach to building that level of fan engagement so early on?

Our strategy has centered around storytelling as a foundation for building the fanbase. By embracing the Nashville Stars name and honoring its Negro Leagues legacy, we immediately gave fans a meaningful narrative to connect with. Beyond the story, we’ve prioritized visibility and engagement. This includes merchandise launches—especially through our partnership with New Era—as well as community events and collaborations with local organizations like the Nashville Sports Council and local and state Chambers of Commerce. These partnerships help us earn grassroots support and allow those organizations to amplify our message through their own platforms. Throughout all of this, we’ve created consistent touch points that allow fans to interact with the brand year-round.

We’ve also worked to generate momentum before a single pitch has been thrown by acting like a Major League franchise now. With high-profile advisors like Justin Timberlake, Darius Rucker, Luke Combs, and Kane Brown, along with strong media coverage and strategic partnerships, we’re laying the groundwork for a loyal following that will be ready to fill seats from day one.

Speaking of the new era partnership, your merchandise has been a major part of how fans connect with the team without having an actual team to follow—what inspired you to launch it so early in the process?

From the start, we wanted fans to connect with the history of the Nashville Stars and the Negro Leagues, and merchandise became one of the most powerful tools to share that legacy. Launching early gave people the chance to proudly wear and represent a piece of baseball history, creating organic visibility for the stories and players who paved the way. Our designs blend historical inspiration with modern style, so whether someone is a lifelong baseball fan, a casual sports supporter, or someone who simply loves Nashville culture, there’s something within the Stars brand that resonates with them.

Lets delve further into the design comment. The Nashville Stars brand has clear ties to notable figures in the fashion world. Can you share how the development of the two main logo marks came about, and what influenced their design?

The development of our logos has been a collaborative effort, shaped by trusted partners and creative leaders. Our original logo was created by Jerry Lorenzo Manuel, founder of Fear of God. With a background in high fashion and streetwear—and a personal connection to baseball through his father, former MLB player and manager Jerry Manuel—Jerry’s design reflected the intersection of sport, culture, and style that defines the Stars. Our current logo, seen on New Era caps, was designed by Gemo Wong, whose experience spans Nike, Brand Jordan, and Cactus Jack. His design brings a modern edge while honoring the Stars’ legacy, creating a visual identity that resonates with today’s fans and pays tribute to our roots. Together, these two marks not only define our visual brand—they embody our mission to bridge legacy with innovation in a way that resonates with today’s fans.

So, the big question I think everyone wants and answer to—where are you at in the process of getting an MLB team in Nashville?

The league has said publicly that it’d like to expand from 30 to 32 teams once the A’s and Tampa Bay Rays get their stadium situations resolved. Once that gets fully resolved, expansion discussions could begin soon after. In the meantime, we continue paving the way so that Nashville is ready whenever that time comes.

In the meantime, what can fans do to support the movement and stay engaged as things develop?

Fans can play a big role by engaging with us online—following, liking, sharing, and commenting on our social media helps amplify the Nashville Stars story and shows Major League Baseball the passion this city has for the game. Showing Stars pride is just as important: wear the gear, post photos, and tag us. Every post and interaction not only builds momentum but also proves the growing support behind the brand. It’s a powerful preview of what MLB in Nashville could look like.