Report: Former Gov. Bill Haslam nears deal to join Nashville Predators ownership group

There could soon be a new high-profile owner of the Nashville Predators. Former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam is nearing a deal to purchase the NHL team, according to a Sportico report. Haslam would become a majority owner, though it is unclear how much of a stake he intends to purchase, according to The Tennessean. The construct of the franchise is not expected to change. The Predators currently have 17 owners, according to their website, including majority owner and chairman Herbert Fritch. Fritch…