Nashville's pursuit of a women's professional sports franchise could be boosted by two new funding proposals.

Why it matters: Nashville has poured billions of dollars into men's pro sports stadiums and subsidies over the last 25 years. Advocates say it's time to expand to women's pro sports.

Driving the news: First, Metro Councilmember Nancy VanReece is proposing that women's pro sports be added as a potential use for the Nashville Needs Impact Fund — which the Titans would bankroll as part of their agreement with the city for a new stadium. The fund is designed to support a wide range of community priorities, such as housing, education and transit.

• Second, VanReece has proposed allocating a combined $60 million for practice facilities for WNBA and National Women's Soccer League franchises. That proposal is part of the capital improvements budget, which is an annual wish list of future projects.

What they're saying: VanReece, who serves on the joint committee working to bring a women's team here, wants the city to put its money where its mouth is.

• She says the funding proposals would make clear to possible ownership groups that Nashville is serious about becoming a women's pro sports town.

Catch up quick: Led by attorney Margaret Behm, the nonprofit Nashville Sports Council and the Metro Sports Authority have worked in tandem for nearly two years to recruit a women's pro team. After research led by a top consultant, the focus has zeroed in on a basketball or soccer franchise.

• The WNBA's leadership has indicated over the last year that expansion is coming.
• The NWSL is already moving forward with expansion, though Nashville isn't on the initial list of likely cities.

The early success of the Nashville SC, as well as the strong attendance for U.S. women's national soccer team matches in Nashville, are evidence that an NWSL franchise would do well in Nashville, VanReece says.

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The Titans continued trimming the roster of expensive contracts, releasing outside linebacker Bud Dupree yesterday.

Why it matters: Dupree didn't live up to the $82.5 million contract he signed in 2021. New general manager Ran Carthon already released offensive lineman Taylor Lewan and other veterans in cost-cutting moves.

What we're watching: Carthon may just be getting started in his efforts to make the roster younger and more affordable.

• In a column yesterday, NFL reporter Michael Silver included Titans star Derrick Henry in a list of prominent veteran players who are being discussed in trades.

🗳 Education nonprofit CEO Tara Scarlett confirms to Axios she's leaning toward running for mayor.

• Social justice activist Odessa Kelly pondered a run, but has decided against it in favor of continuing her activism. She tells Axios: "I'm more interested in doing everything it takes to safeguard Nashville from those who would disregard our values and do us harm." (Axios Nashville mayoral race tracker)

🏀 Alabama freshman Brandon Miller, who played high school ball at Cane Ridge, was named the SEC basketball player of the year by the league's coaches. (Tennessean)

🚫 Tennessee is considering banning non-American video platforms — including the Chinese-owned TikTok, the world's most downloaded app — on college campuses. (WPLN)

⚖️ A group representing Black clergy members from Nashville could file a lawsuit if the state slashes the Metro Council in half. (Tennessee Lookout)

Metro Council is meeting tonight, and a months-long debate over how to support entertainment projects such as film and TV productions could resurface.

Two dueling bills considering different approaches are on the agenda.

• One of those measures was deferred during a committee meeting yesterday.
• Another could come up for a pivotal vote.

Council member Sean Parker tweeted that he supported delaying voting to hammer out details and "get this right."

Legislation to fund the $2.1 billion new Titans stadium is also on the agenda, but will be deferred. That would put the proposal on track for final votes in April.

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Airbnb is donating $100,000 to support Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville, according to an announcement shared with Axios.

Driving the news: The company's donation will support an upcoming Habitat project in District 2, which includes parts of North Nashville and Bordeaux.

• Details about the project are forthcoming, but Habitat spokesperson Sherry Stinson said in a statement that it would "make a lasting difference here for generations to come."

Meanwhile: Local Airbnb hosts will participate in a Habitat home build in May. The home will be part of the nonprofit's new Village by the Creek community in North Nashville.

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