[Hockey News]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -The local group of businessmen bidding to buy the Predators - and likely keep them in Nashville - are close enough to finalizing their offer that a letter of intent giving the group exclusive negotiating rights could be signed Wednesday.

The businessmen working with Predators owner Craig Leipold would like to complete the purchase before the season starts in October.

Asked Tuesday if the group was close to finishing up paperwork, Herb Fritch, chief executive officer of HealthSpring Inc., and a member of the local group, said they're near the letter of intent stage.

"This is not a final purchase and sale deal. There's still a significant step to happen. It's the first significant concrete step toward getting there," Fritch said.

Nashville group preparing to sign letter of intent for Predators

[Hockey News]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -Nashville Predators owner Craig Leipold thinks he's finally sold his NHL franchise, this time to a group of local businessmen and one California venture capitalist that wants to keep the team in Music City.

Leipold said Wednesday he has signed a letter of intent to sell his team to the local group. The group of eight partners put down $10 million as a deposit toward the purchase price of $193 million.

"I'm thrilled to death the team is staying here," Leipold said.

Predators intend to sell to local investor group for $193M

[Lefty Noob]

Looks like the fans of Nashville got the job done. The Predators look to be staying put.

[vincesanity82]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Looks like the fans of Nashville got the job done. The Predators look to be staying put.

this is good news...

[blueandwhite]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Looks like the fans of Nashville got the job done. The Predators look to be staying put.

I don't think the fans had anything to do with it. This was a high level job, planned and completed with bettman's (biased) help. This makes me sick to my stomach.

[vincesanity82]

Originally Posted by blueandwhite

I don't think the fans had anything to do with it. This was a high level job, planned and completed with bettman's (biased) help. This makes me sick to my stomach.

are you kidding me, did you not know about the rally and all the money fans have paid for for season tickets to make sure the place stays? they've been all over the radio and and town getting people involved and it worked, finally.. The preds are a nashville team..

[blueandwhite]

I still don't think that's the reason the preds stayed in nashville. What about all the goings-on with balsillie? Do you honestly think that the reason the preds stayed here is because of the fan base?