credit: New York Rangers
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Like every year, Forbes publishes its ranking of the valuation of sports franchises. Yesterday, the American media took an interest in the value of NHL teams for this 2021-2022 season.
For the first time, an NHL franchise hits the symbolic mark of $ 2 billion according to Forbes. It is the New York Rangers who occupy the first position for the 7th consecutive year.
By reaching 2 billion valuation in 2021, the New York Rangers recorded an increase of 21% compared to last year (+ 60% in 5 years according to Forbes). Belonging to MSG Sports, the New York team plays at Madison Square Garden.
This year, the podium is completed by two Canadian teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs ($ 1.8 billion) and the Montreal Canadiens ($ 1.6 billion).
For its 2021 ranking (see the list below), Forbes assess the average value of the 32 NHL franchises at $ 865 million, an increase of 32% compared to 2020. Last place in the standings, we find the Arizona Coyotes with an estimated value of $ 400 million.
A few days ago, the franchise of the Pittsburgh Penguins formalized a takeover proposal by Fenway Sports Group which notably owns the Red Sox (MLB) or Liverpool (Premier League). According to The Athletic, the deal that must be approved by the NHL values the franchise at $ 900 million. As specified Forbes, the value of the Penguins corresponds to 4.5 times the estimated income of the team for the current season (excluding playoffs).
Increasing income
As a reminder, the NHL has just entered a new round of TV rights in the United States with ESPN and Turner for an estimated amount of $ 625 million on average per season, against $ 300 million previously.
Forbes also explains the increase in the value of franchises by the quality of Arenas, either renovated like that of the new Seattle franchise or new constructions like the UBS Arena of the New York Islanders. Rooms that will allow teams to increase their turnover on match days.
On the sponsorship revenue side, the lights also seem green for the NHL. In this time of Covid-19, the league has authorized the introduction of helmet advertising and jersey sponsorship will arrive for the 2022-2023 season. A few weeks ago, les Washington Capitals made history by being the first franchise to formalize the signing of a contract for its jerseys with Caesars Sportsbook.
For the 2025-2026 season, the NHL would therefore expect revenues of $ 6 billion, an increase of 22% compared to 2019-2020 as reported Forbes.
Evolution of NHL revenues (Forbes)
Ranking of the best valued NHL franchises according to Forbes in 2021 (in dollars)
1/ New York Rangers : 2 milliards $
2/ Toronto Maple Leafs : 1,8 milliard
3 / Montreal Canadiens: 1.6 billion
4/ Chicago Blackhawks : 1,4 milliard
5/ Boston Bruins : 1,3 milliard
6/ Philadelphia Flyers : 1,2 milliard
7/ Edmonton Oilers : 1,1 milliard
8/ Los Angeles Kings : 1,025 milliard
9/ Detroit Red Wings : 990 millions
10/ New York Islanders : 950 millions
11/ Washington Capitals : 930 millions
12/ Pittsburgh Penguins : 900 millions
13/ Seattle Kraken : 875 millions
14/ Vancouver Canucks : 825 millions
15/ New Jersey Devils : 775 millions
16/ Dallas Stars : 720 millions
17/ Vegas Golden Knights : 710 millions
18/ Calgary Flames : 680 millions
19/ Minnesota Wild : 675 millions
20/ Tampa Bay Lightning : 650 millions
21 / St. Louis Blues: 640 million
22/ Colorado Avalanche : 630 millions
23/ San Jose Sharks : 625 millions
24/ Anaheim Ducks : 620 millions
25/ Nashville Predators : 600 millions
26/ Winnipeg Jets : 575 millions
27/ Carolina Hurricanes : 550 millions
28/ Ottawa Senators : 525 millions
29/ Buffalo Sabres : 500 millions
30/ Colombus Blue Jackets : 475 millions
31/ Florida Panthers : 450 millions
32 : Arizona Coyotes : 400 millions
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