Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn described a potential team as an economic-development matter, saying communities would likely take the lead. She also emphasized hiring Tennessee workers and supporting local businesses, arguing that state-backed projects should do more to benefit workers and companies from within the state.

Democrat Jerri Green pointed to the Memphis Redbirds, the minor-league team whose stadium is owned by the city, as a reminder that sports facilities can carry significant costs for local government. Green said professional teams can contribute to entertainment districts and economic activity, but called for careful review of how much a baseball project would rely on public versus private funding.

Independent candidate David Hatley said he would welcome an MLB team, but first wants to assess the state’s finances and Nashville’s rapid growth. He said he would support a proposal if it amounted to smart growth and the city could support the team.

The candidates’ comments did not include a detailed stadium plan, proposed funding split or cost estimate. Their answers put the public-private financing question at the center of the debate over whether a major-league franchise would be a community benefit—and who would bear the expense.