St. Louis Gains a New Sports Team: Nelly Brings National Thoroughbred League to Home Turf
St. Louis is set to welcome a new professional sports franchise – a National Thoroughbred League (NTL) team, now owned and relocated by rapper Nelly. The team, affectionately dubbed the “Nellies,” will call St. Louis home after being purchased from its Seattle base.
Nelly expressed his enthusiasm for bringing this exciting venture to his hometown, stating his eagerness to connect wiht St.Louis fans at the track. The move signifies a revitalization of horse racing, aiming to broaden its appeal to a wider audience. As investor Jarobi White of A Tribe Called Quest noted, the NTL is making “the sport of kings” accessible to everyone, nonetheless of background.
The Nellies will compete at Fairmount Park in Collinsville, Illinois, a historic racetrack currently undergoing a considerable $100 million renovation. This investment underscores the league’s commitment to establishing itself in locations with existing equestrian traditions and a willingness to modernize.
NTL CEO Randall Lane highlighted St. Louis’s strong sports culture and keen fanbase as key factors in the decision. he emphasized the city’s proven track record of supporting its teams and the ancient importance of Fairmount Park, a century-old venue receiving significant upgrades. Lane also credited Nelly’s local connection as instrumental in the team’s identity, praising the name “St.Louis Nellies” as both clever and representative of the city.
To commemorate the team’s launch, Nelly will host the inaugural “Nelly Cup” at Fairmount Park on July 19th. The event promises a full day of entertainment, including a performance by Jarobi White and a fashion show inspired by Nelly’s signature style.This expansion marks a significant step for the National Thoroughbred League and a thrilling addition to the St. Louis sports landscape.