Nelly is adding another milestone to his already dynamic career—this time, in the world of professional sports ownership.
The St. Louis-born rapper, actor, and longtime sports enthusiast has officially become the owner of a horse racing team under the National Thoroughbred League (NTL), a modernized league aiming to revitalize horse racing for a new generation of fans. His team will be based in his hometown of St. Louis and will run at the historic Fairmount Park in nearby Collinsville, Illinois—a track with over 100 years of legacy that is currently undergoing a $100 million revitalization effort. The team will be called the St. Louis Nellies, a name that pays homage not only to the local culture but also to the artist’s deep-rooted connection with the city. According to National Thoroughbred League CEO Randall Lane, the partnership is one that’s tailor-made for all parties. Nelly’s athletic ties go beyond just fandom. He famously played baseball and football in high school and has maintained close affiliations with professional sports over the years, including appearances at NBA All-Star celebrity games and his ownership stake in the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) during the mid-2000s.
Joining Nelly as an investor and performer in the league is Jarobi White of A Tribe Called Quest, who praised the league’s mission.