Sabertooth Cat Logo

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Lore & Background

The logo's origin is tied directly to a 1971 construction discovery: a partial Smilodon fatalis skeleton found beneath downtown Nashville during the building of the First American National Bank building (now the UBS Tower). This fossil inspired the team's identity. On September 25, 1997, Leipold and Diller unveiled the saber-toothed cat logo. The franchise then held a fan vote from 75 name candidates, narrowing it to three: "Ice Tigers," "Fury," and "Attack." Leipold added his own submission, "Predators," which won out and was announced at a press conference on November 13, 1997. The logo has remained the team's primary mark since the Predators began play in the 1998–99 season, representing a creature that once actually roamed the land where the team now plays.

In Their Own Story

On September 25, 1997, at a press conference, Craig Leipold and Jack Diller unveiled the franchise's new logo: a saber-toothed cat (Smilodon fatalis). The design was not arbitrary; it was a direct reference to a partial Smilodon skeleton found in 1971 beneath downtown Nashville during construction of the First American National Bank building. Once the logo was shown, the franchise opened a fan vote to choose a name from 75 candidates, narrowed to three: "Ice Tigers," "Fury," and "Attack." Leipold added his own choice, "Predators," to the ballot. On November 13, 1997, Leipold revealed that his submission had won, and the new franchise would be known as the Nashville Predators.

Reader's Guide

The Sabertooth Cat logo is the central emblem of the Nashville Predators, a team that began play in the 1998–99 season. The logo connects the franchise to a specific piece of local history: the 1971 discovery of a Smilodon fatalis skeleton beneath downtown Nashville. For fans, wearing the logo means representing a team that was founded in Nashville (not relocated) and that has played at Bridgestone Arena since 1998. The team's minor league affiliates are the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) and the Atlanta Gladiators (ECHL). The Predators qualified for their first Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2003–04 season, advanced to their first Stanley Cup Final in 2017, and won their first Presidents' Trophy and Central Division title the following season.

Did You Know?

• The logo was inspired by a partial Smilodon fatalis skeleton found beneath downtown Nashville in 1971 during construction of the First American National Bank building.
• Owner Craig Leipold added his own submission, 'Predators,' to a fan vote that included 'Ice Tigers,' 'Fury,' and 'Attack.'
• The logo was unveiled on September 25, 1997, by Leipold and team president Jack Diller.
• The franchise name 'Predators' was announced as the winner at a press conference on November 13, 1997.
• The Predators are one of only two professional sports teams in Tennessee (along with Nashville SC) that have not relocated from another city.

Origins and Identity Formation

The Nashville Predators were founded in 1997 when the NHL granted an expansion franchise to Craig Leipold, with the team beginning play in the 1998–99 season. On September 25, 1997, Leipold and team president Jack Diller held a press conference unveiling the franchise's new logo: a saber-toothed cat (Smilodon fatalis). The logo referenced a partial Smilodon skeleton found beneath downtown Nashville in 1971 during construction of the First American National Bank building. After the logo was unveiled, the franchise held a fan vote to choose a name from 75 candidates, narrowed to three: "Ice Tigers," "Fury," and "Attack." Leipold added his own submission, "Predators." On November 13, 1997, Leipold revealed that his submission had won, and the new franchise would be known as the Nashville Predators. The city of Nashville paid 31.50% of the $80 million expansion fee and made an agreement protecting them against annual arena operating losses over approximately $3.8 million.

Early Struggles and Global Expansion

The Predators began their competitive journey in the 1998–99 season, facing immediate challenges typical of new franchises. Limited by protected rosters during the expansion draft, they secured notable talent like goaltender Mike Richter, though he eventually returned to New York. Their inaugural game resulted in a narrow loss to Florida, but just three days later, they secured their first victory against Carolina. The early years were defined by rebuilding; the team finished near the bottom of the Western Conference for two consecutive seasons before finding stability on an international stage. In 2001, the franchise made history by playing exhibition games in Tokyo's Saitama Super Arena, drawing record-breaking Japanese hockey crowds and showcasing their brand globally. By December 2001, they achieved a significant milestone with their 100th win. The period culminated in June 2003 when Nashville hosted the NHL Entry Draft, selecting future captain Shea Weber and defenseman Ryan Suter, moves that would eventually propel them to their first playoff appearance in 2004.

Breakthroughs and Playoff Aspirations

Prior to the 2005–06 season, the Predators signed free agent Paul Kariya. During the season, the Predators became only the fourth NHL franchise to start the season 8–0. By the end of the season, they had accumulated 106 points and clinched home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs for the first time in team history, finishing with an NHL-best 32–8–1 record at home. However, they were eliminated by the San Jose Sharks in five games in the first round of the 2006 playoffs. In the 2006–07 season, the Predators traded for five-time NHL All-Star Peter Forsberg and finished with the third best record in the league with 110 points, but were again defeated by the Sharks in the first round 4–1. The Predators advanced to their first Stanley Cup Final in 2017, but were defeated by the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. In the following season, the Predators won their first Presidents' Trophy and Central Division title.

Ownership Evolution and Local Legacy

The Predators distinguish themselves in Tennessee sports history through their unique origins and stable local ownership structure. Founded by Craig Leipold in 1997, the team remained under his control until 2008, when it was transferred to a locally based ownership group, ensuring deep community roots. Unlike other major Tennessee teams such as the Titans and Grizzlies, which relocated from Houston and Vancouver respectively, the Predators are an indigenous franchise that has never moved cities. As of 2026, they stand alongside Nashville SC as one of only two professional sports teams in the state to be established locally rather than transplanted. This stability is supported by a robust minor league system, with affiliations extending to the Milwaukee Admirals and Atlanta Gladiators. Their journey from an expansion draft pick to a division champion reflects a successful integration into Nashville's cultural fabric, proving that homegrown franchises can thrive without the baggage of relocation.

Early Years and Logo Establishment

The Predators began play during the 1998–99 season, taking the ice for the first time on October 10, 1998, losing 1–0 at home to the Florida Panthers. Three nights later, on October 13, they defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3–2 for their first win. The team finished second-to-last in the Western Conference with a 28–47–7 record. In the 1999–2000 season, they finished last in the Western Conference. To begin the 2000–01 season, the Predators played two games at the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo against the Pittsburgh Penguins, with each team winning one game in front of the largest crowds ever to see a hockey game in Japan (13,849 and 13,426). During the 2001–02 season, the Predators recorded their 100th victory on December 6, 2001. In June 2003, the Predators hosted the NHL entry draft, selecting future captain Shea Weber with the 49th overall pick and Ryan Suter at seventh overall. In the 2003–04 season, the Predators finished eighth in the Western Conference, qualifying for their first postseason berth, but were eliminated by the Detroit Red Wings in six games.

Ownership and Local Legacy

Following the 2006–07 season, owner Craig Leipold announced his intention to sell the team to Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie, but by June 23, 2007, information leaked that Leipold no longer wanted to sell to Balsillie. A group of local business owners known as Our Team Nashville held a rally at the Sommet Center on July 19, 2007, drawing approximately 7,500 fans and selling the equivalent of 726 full-season tickets. After negotiations with the City of Nashville, the local group headed by David Freeman reached an agreement with Mayor Karl Dean, and the NHL Board of Governors approved the sale on November 29, 2007. In 2008, ownership of the team was transferred from Leipold to a locally based ownership group. As of 2026, the Predators, along with Nashville SC, are one of two professional sports teams in the state of Tennessee to have not relocated from another location, as the Titans and the Grizzlies moved to Tennessee from Houston and Vancouver respectively.