NASHVILLE, TN – For the third consecutive season, we're conducting end-of-year fan surveys here at SixOneFive Soccer. Collaborating with 22 other independent outlets, we conducted a survey of the broader MLS fanbase, with responses from nearly 3,500 fans.
Ben Wright
Today, we're taking the pulse of Nashville SC fans.
Fan demographics
225 responders self-identified as Nashville SC fans. While a few fans responded from abroad, the vast majority of fans lived in the United States and Mexico.
Of fans in the Middle Tennessee area, West Nashville, East Nashville, Antioch and Murfreesboro were the most heavily-represented.
Nashville SC’s 2025 season viewed as an overwhelming success
Fans were overwhelmingly pleased with Nashville’s performance in 2025. 98.2% of fans said the 2025 season was a success, and the average grade given to the campaign on a 1-5 scale was 4.12. Additionally, fans were incredibly positive about BJ Callaghan’s first full season as head coach, giving the manager an average rating of 4.64.
The US Open Cup victory was the crucial piece of the equation. 92% of responses gave Nashville’s US Open Cup performance a five out of five, with another 7.6% listing it as a four. Additionally, 85% of fans said that the Open Cup success had a significant impact on their view of the season.
Despite the positive overall assessment, fans pointed to late-season regression and roster gaps as areas keeping the season from being an unmitigated success. According to fans, the team "ran out of gas down the stretch" and "struggled in MLS play after the all-star break". The end-of-season performance "did take the shine off a little bit".
Another significant concern was the over-reliance on Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge for goal contributions. Fans also cited worries over the aging back line (Dan Lovitz, Andy Nájar, and Walker Zimmerman) and the need for a long-term solution at goalkeeper listed as major points of anxiety moving into 2026.
- "This was supposed to be a season of improvement and instead was a trophy winning season with NSC in the mix for a supporters shield until the final month
- "At the end of the day, it's hard to be down on a season where we won our first ever silverware, and BJ appears to be a coach that can bring even more trophies to Nashville"
- "Solid. Disappointed that we ran out of gas down the stretch but as they say, 'Tsaminamina Hey Hey, Waka Waka Hey Hey, we’re 6th again, who gives a f**k we won the Open Cup!'"
- "I think making playoffs again was the bar for success on a rebuild year. I'm glad we won the Open Cup, but I want to see us be a real contender for an MLS Cup"
- "Best season in club history. The trophy speaks for itself!"
Fans enjoyed watching Nashville’s style of play significantly more in 2025
99.6% said that they enjoy watching Nashville under BJ Callaghan’s style of play, up from 87.7% in 2024 and 78.7% in 2023, Gary Smith’s final year in charge. Fans gave Nashville’s tactical approach an average rating of 4.22 out of five, calling it “night and day compared to Gary Smith”.
According to fans, the new approach is “fast, aggressive, and fun,” pointing out “the willingness to move upfield" as a major improvement. Nashville’s new focus on playing with possession was also a key point of improvement – “they thread the needle well of cycling between aggressive and gritty pressing, calm possession play, and decisive counter attack. One of the more flexible teams in MLS, which I love.”
However, fans also pointed out some areas of concern. Nashville’s dip in form late in the season was a major worry, as well as the team’s ability to hold onto a lead late in matches.
- “Way better than parking the bus and waiting to blow a lead every single game.”
- It’s quite refreshing to actually watch proactive soccer”
- “Fun to watch, and makes changes when needed.”
- "I love that we value using possession to manage the game"
- "Very aggressive going forward, almost to a fault. Leaves the defense on an island, which has killed us way too often"
- "I would still like to see us attack in the 2nd half if we're winning at halftime.i understand holding possession to keep away from the opponent, but I want to see us on the front foot more in the 2nd half before going to possession"
- "I think the team is still lacking hunger in the final 30 of matches. I want to see them go for the throat all 90"
- "Better defensive (and goalkeeping) capabilities. While I don't miss 'Gary-ball,' I DO miss being confident and watching the team defend a 1-0 of 2-1 lead. Nowadays I tend to be clenching until that final whistle blows"
- "If Plan A doesn’t work, Plan B shouldn’t be panic and see what sticks"
- "I’d like to see more shots from distance. Increased chance to spank a stonker top bins"
- "I’d love to see a stronger lefthand side to match what Najar is doing down the right"
- "Take Hany off corners"
Supporters expect the Boys In Gold to improve in 2026
Nashville SC fans hold a largely optimistic outlook regarding the team’s prospects for 2026; 92.9% said they expect the club to improve next year. The expectation for improvement largely stems from the belief that Coach BJ Callaghan and the technical staff will successfully address known roster flaws during the offseason, leveraging the positive cultural and tactical changes made during 2025.
Much of this positivity is based on the assumption that Nashville will make significant roster improvements this winter. 10 players already departed the club in their end-of-year roster decisions, starting the process of a major overhaul. This is in line with what fans called for.
While the survey was conducted before these roster decisions were publicized, fans anticipated the technical staff would successfully secure necessary roster changes, including moving key players like Walker Zimmerman off Designated Player (DP) contracts or letting them go, to free up significant funds for incoming talent. One fan noted, "[Callaghan] and the front office have worked together to change this team. I'm excited to see the direction we go next year, especially because he will have so much more roster flexibility."
Nashville’s roster is in good shape, but needs work
While fans were overwhelmingly positive about the 2025 season, they were also generally on the same page: Nashville need to improve their squad heading into 2026.
50% of respondents listed Nashville’s defense as their primary area of concern, citing questions of age and worrying about how Walker Zimmerman's contract situation would play out (Zimmerman has since left Nashville as a free agent). Striker was the next-highest concern at 20.7%, followed by goalkeeper (17.8%) and midfield (11.7%).
- "Willis and Lovitz and Zimmerman are aging out, need young talent to replace them"
- "The back line is beginning to age a bit. Other than that there’s relatively good depth all the way around. There’s a tough decision to make around Walker"
- "Aging GK and LB with no clear options to take over those spots"
- "We currently lack strong goal scorers outside Surridge and Mukhtar. Injuries to our wingers have also had a major impact"
- "Need a second #9. Love Teal, but need someone who can truly be a goal threat if Sam’s not in a match"
- "As liked as Joe is, I think it is nearing time to explore other options at the #1 keeper position"
- "We need a keeper who can play with his feet and allow the team to play with a higher line"
- "Need an answer for GK after Joe. Walker can not be on a DP contract after this season. It can better be used elsewhere"
- "No winger seems consistently good this year, but all have had great games
- "Midfield looked very tired towards the 2nd half of the season, so finding more quality depth is necessary"
- "Don't understand the Brugman move to be a marquee signing when he didn't even make the 11 most games... Not impactful enough
- "Midfielders outside of Eddi, Yazbek, and Corcoran weren't up to the challenge. Shaffleburg doesn't do anything but run in a straight line and fall down."
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Fans were largely positive about Nashville’s business in the transfer windows, giving Nashville a 4.03 out of five and overall seeming satisfied with the state of the roster heading into 2026. Here’s what fans said about how they viewed the performance in the transfer market.
- "Very impressed with the roster overhaul in 2025 and expect a lot of other positive changes in 2026."
- "EXCELLENT. Chose the right coach. Enabled him to build his staff. Found Najar and Palacios - are you kidding me? Those two have been great this year. Signed Eddi & developed Yazbeck, developed Corcoran. The GM has done a great job rebooting after Gary Smith was let go.”
- "Hit on all of the big moves other than Brugman, but that miss makes it so I can't rate it a 5/5."
- "Najar and Eddi were a revelation. Not as impressed with Qasem and Perez."
- "I think the transition from 2024 to 2025 with the roster moves were masterful. They put the team ahead of schedule for a rebuild."
- "Wasting money on a DP spot with a CB. Love Walker but we should never have a defender on a DP with this league."
- "Good scouting overall, especially on midfield and defense. Hope for more of the same going forward for forwards also. In the past, been GENERALLY poor with scouting forwards."
- "They had great success mining the Scandinavian leagues.”
- "Hard to judge from the outside. Obviously Callaghan was a fantastic hire. Did enough around the margins on the roster this year to speed up the rebuild by a year. Now that the coach and foundation of the roster is in place, it’s time to start really swinging."
We asked respondents to give their verdicts on if each player should stay for 2026 or move on, ignoring their contract status. This poll was taken before Nashville announced their roster moves, but the general consensus lined up with the moves Nashville ended up making.
*Player will not return in 2026
Fans preferred to keep Wyatt Meyer and Julian Gaines, both of whom saw their 2026 options declined. They also were in favor of moving on from Xavier Valdez and Adem Sipić, who will both return.
Fans still love the Castle
93.3% of respondents said they attended a match at Geodis Park in 2025, and they were once again happy with the stadium, giving it an average rating of 4.46 out of five. The match day experience was given a 4.23, another positive grade, but the ease of transportation and parking options were significantly less impressive, rated at 2.81 and 2.63. Fans also aren’t thrilled with the lack of food and entertainment options in the surrounding neighborhoods, rating them a 2.83.
Only 24% of respondents said they attended one of the three FIFA Club World matches held at Geodis, giving the experience a 3.49 rating.
- "I think it’s one the best soccer venues in the US"
- "It's so great. Thankful it's here in Tennessee!"
- "Great facility, great sight lines"
- "I am a big NSC fan but I avoid going to games because I don't want to deal with the parking situation”
- "Geodis is exhaustingly expensive"
- "I would get rid of the riff altogether. It just doesn't make sense without having it right before kickoff and still just feels strange". (Note: Multiple fans requested the riff return to directly before kickoff)
- "Parking is ungodly awful and essentially relies on walking in from a residential neighborhood"
- "I wish a person could walk all the way around it though, rather than being blocked at the fancy section and having to turn back and go the long way"
- "I’ve lived in this area all my life, it’s a miracle that it’s here and I’ll never not appreciate everyone who made it happen."
- "I love it especially the wide concourse!! Visiting FCC this year made me realize how nice concourses are."
Fans feel the relationship with the club is becoming transactional
When asked how they felt they were treated by Nashville SC, fans rated their satisfaction as a 3.83 out of five. Their answers indicated a split between positive interactions with staff and more widespread frustrations with corporate policies.
The most consistent criticism was that the club often prioritizes revenue over the fan experience, leading many to feel they are treated as financial transactions rather than integral community members. Many fans felt that they are treated "more as a customer than a fan" or like a "walking wallet as far as they're concerned". The club's actions in ticket pricing have led to skepticism, with one fan remarking that the way the club "jacked prices up last year against Miami in the non MLS match shows clubs true thoughts about its supporters".
Despite the financial frustrations, many fans report having good relationships with individual staff members and appreciate the club's attempts to engage them. Some fans feel like they are "a part of a family", and Season Ticket Members (STMs) often highlighted positive, consistent communication, with multiple fans stating they have "regular contact with my customer service representative who has been extremely helpful" or that their "rep is pretty responsive".
Frustrations with traditional media while independent media has carved out a niche
Nashville SC fans generally express low satisfaction with the local traditional media coverage (TV, radio, newspaper) of the club, often rating it poorly and noting that it is insufficient, inconsistent, or lacks expertise. Fan satisfaction with local traditional media coverage averaged at 2.64, and ranged mostly from one to three out of 5, indicating high dissatisfaction.
Fans believe traditional media outlets largely ignore NSC or treat the club as an afterthought compared to established local teams like the Titans and Predators. When traditional media does cover the team, fans often feel the coverage lacks a fundamental understanding of soccer, leading to low-quality content. Fans want basic coverage that is currently missing, such as dedicated space in print and better broadcast options.
However, fans were much more positive about independent media coverage, giving it a 4.33 out of five. Independent media outlets generally received high marks for their quality and dedication to the club. Though helpful for dedicated fans, one fan pointed out that independent media is great for fans "that are already in," but lacks the platform needed to introduce new fans to the club.
Fans say they get most of their local Nashville SC news from SixOneFive Soccer, Pharmaceutical Soccer, Club & Country, and The Tennessean.
- "The independent coverage is phenomenal"
- The addition of SixOneFive has covered so many gaps"
- "Local grassroots coverage is awesome. I'm excited to watch them get more recognition"
- "Big local media doesn't give a damn. The Titans suck, show NSC a little more love!"
- "The independent coverage of NSC is great... Professionals. Fan blogs are great but needs real support"
- "The mainstream radio, tv, and newspaper outlets barely mention the team unless they play Miami or win the Open Cup"
- "I feel like the mainstream news media has NO idea what they're talking about when it comes to soccer"
- "The coverage feels like if I tried to explain underwater hockey on live broadcast... They just need some knowledgeable people that pay attention to not just the Preds and Titans!"
- "The only good podcast is Club and Country. The others feel far too much like unplanned chit-chat with a group of friends"
- "The local television coverage is pathetic"
- "More personal pieces! I’m not interested in data as much as I am the people behind it"
- "I wish there would be more world building media... We need to grow passion for the club a for soccer culture in the city outside of game recaps and analysis"
- It would be nice if "legacy media" would pay attention to soccer, but we know they never will.
- "Local grassroots coverage is awesome. I'm excited to watch them get more recognition"
Overall, the survey reveals a Nashville SC fanbase grappling with the costs and corporate experience of supporting a new MLS franchise, evidenced by consistent frustration over "ridiculously priced" concessions and the perception of being treated as a "walking wallet as far as they're concerned" or "more as a customer than a fan".
However, these infrastructural annoyances are largely overshadowed by substantial successes in team identity and performance, driven by the shift to an "aggressive" and "highly entertaining" style of play under BJ Callaghan. Fans celebrated the coaching change and the club's pivotal US Open Cup win, securing the team's first silverware, and they feel extremely well-served by highly rated independent media sources, whose "phenomenal" coverage fills the voids left by traditional outlets.
Ultimately, the excitement generated by the team’s new, appealing style, coupled with the success of the technical staff in finding "home run" signings, leaves the fanbase optimistic that the club is "ahead of schedule" and poised to contend for more trophies.
