NASCAR’s Michael Waltrip, Brewing Co. Join Nashville Kats Arena Football Team Ownership

The Nashville Kats, a founding franchise of Arena Football 1

(AF1), announced today that NASCAR legend Michael Waltrip and his craft beer company,

Michael Waltrip Brewing, have joined the team’s ownership group. This landmark partnership

adds another household name to the growing list of legendary sports figures backing the revival

of one of arena football’s most storied brands.

Michael Waltrip and Michael Waltrip Brewing enter the ownership group via a cross-branded

equity and sponsorship deal, enhancing both the team’s entertainment value and beverage

experience for fans across the AF1 league. The duo joins a high-profile ownership group that

includes Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden and AF1 Commissioner and former NFL

Head Coach Jeff Fisher, who also serves as majority owner of the Nashville Kats.

"With Mr. Waltrip joining our group, we now have three living legends attached to the

Nashville Kats — Jeff Fisher, Jon Gruden, and Michael Waltrip — all with the ultimate

goal to win championships and raise the AF1 to its ultimate potential along with any team

associated with the AF1,” said Bobby DeVoursney, CEO and Managing Partner of the

Nashville Kats. “It is a very exciting time to be a Kat and a team in the AF1 I can’t tell you

how lucky I feel to be a part of this star-studded group. I just can’t wait to see the faces

when each one walks into the stadium truly amazing. The true potential of this amazing

sport hasn’t been this bright in over 20 years. Its time for arena football and AF1 to take

its place with the major sports leagues."

Michael Waltrip, a two-time Daytona 500 winner and one of NASCAR’s most beloved

personalities, brings decades of racing pedigree and a nationally recognized brand in Michael

Waltrip Brewing — known for its bold flavors and regional fan loyalty. The brewery will

become the Official Craft Beer of the Nashville Kats, with branded activations, themed

merchandise, and a “Waltrip Winner’s Circle” fan zone planned for the upcoming season.

This partnership is another bold move as AF1 continues to gain momentum with its focus on

competitive play, high-level entertainment, and visionary leadership. The Nashville Kats, one of

the flagship franchises of the league, are positioning themselves as a marquee destination for

both fans and elite sports investors.

Bobby DeVoursney 6/19/2025

Nashville Kats – CEO/Managing Partner

Stay tuned for upcoming announcements on collaborative game nights, special-edition beers, and

fan events celebrating this high-octane sports crossover.

About the Nashville Kats:

The Nashville Kats are a professional arena football team and founding member of Arena

Football 1 (AF1), operating out of Tennessee. Reviving a legendary AFL brand with a rich

history of success and fan passion, the new era of the Kats is focused on championship

performance, community engagement, and national sports entertainment growth.

About Michael Waltrip Brewing Company:

Founded by NASCAR legend Michael Waltrip, Michael Waltrip Brewing Company crafts bold,

flavorful beers with the same intensity and passion Waltrip brought to the racetrack. With

locations in Tennessee and North Carolina, the brewery offers a vibrant experience for beer and racing fans alike.