North American and Canadian sport is big business. The countries are home to some of the most valuable sports teams in the world. In fact, the Dallas Cowboys top the worldwide charts when it comes to valuations, with a total worth of $5.7 billion, according to Forbes.
The most recent top 50 most valuable sports teams list is made up predominately of NFL, MLB, and NBA teams, with a sprinkling of elite clubs from European soccer. But what about hockey? The NHL is the most-watched hockey league on the planet. Where do its most valuable teams rank?
Toronto Maple Leafs – $2 billion
The Toronto Maples Leafs are valued at a staggering $2 billion, according to a recent study by Sportico. That valuation is enough for 59th on Frobes’ list, in case you were wondering. The Leafs are an immensely popular hockey team, one with an illustrious history. The Leafs feature heavily on the best sports betting sites Canada has to offer thanks, in part, to winning 13 Stanley Cups.
Only the Detroit Red Wings (24) and Montreal Canadiens (35) have reached more Stanley Cups than the Maple Leafs (21). However, Montreal has not reached the Stanley Cup final since they last won it in 1967. Their loyal fans are long overdue some glory.
New York Rangers – $1.87 billion
It should not be surprising to find a New York team ranked highly when it comes to the team’s valuation; everything in New York is expensive! The New York Rangers are the second-most valuable NLH team, thanks to being worth $1.87 billion.
The Rangers were the first American NHL franchise to win the Stanley Cup, doing so in 1928. They have since featured in another ten finals, winning three more, but have not graced the ice in the Stanley Cup final since losing to the Los Angeles Kings in 2014.
The main reason for such a high valuation is the Rangers’ massive fan base, who help generate $88 million in gate receipts each year, not to mention buying food, beverages, and merchandise.
Montreal Canadiens – $1.58 billion
The Montreal Canadiens have won 24 Stanley Cups in their history, 11 more than any other franchise, which is why the team is immensely popular. Success attracts interest and keeps fans interested. Continued success also attracts new supporters who are willing to spend money.
The Molson Family owns the Canadiens, and they are very business savvy. They use the buildings owned by the Canadiens to host up to 1,500 events each year. Throw into the mix the fact the average fan spends $51 each time they enjoy a game, and you have a business that is bound to make money; the draw in $219 million in annual revenues.
Chicago Blackhawks – $1.36 billion
The Chicago Blackhawks are among the most profitable teams in the NHL despite not progressing past the first round of the playoffs since they won the Stanley Cup for the sixth time in 2015.
Despite a lack of success on the ice, the United Center has a near 20,000 capacity for hockey games, in addition to having the top five most-expensive ticket prices in the league. Add these two things together, and the Blackhawks are a money-making machine. Fans flock to games, resulting in the Blackhawks having the largest average attendance in the NHL since the 2008-09 season.
Boston Bruins – $1.31 billion
The Boston Bruins are one of the Original Six NHL teams, which means they have a long history in the sport. This longevity coupled with six Stanley Cups means the Bruins have a large fanbase; spot the trend here in this list?The Jacobs Family, who paid just $10 million for the Bruins in 1975, have recently begun investing large sums of money into the team and the team’s infrastructure. This includes a $100 million revamp of the 25-year-old TD Stadium to make it an all-encompassing venue for hockey and non-hockey fans alike. Getting butts on seats before, during, and after the game has helped the Jacobs Family’s investment swell to epic proportions.