The specialized firm Sporty released its evaluation of the 32 National Hockey League (NHL) franchises on Wednesday. For the first time in history, each of the teams on the Bettman circuit has an estimate exceeding one billion US dollars. According to data communicated by Sportycovering the values and increases recorded during the past year, 24 training courses appeared in the ten figures at the same date last year.
The Utah Hockey Club is the organization with the most significant growth compared to 2023, with an increase of 78%. This jump is largely explained by the team’s move from Arizona to Utah, a much more favorable market for hockey. In contrast, the Winnipeg Jets recorded the lowest growth at 19% while ranking second to last in terms of total value, just ahead of Columbus.
The top-3 of this ranking reserves few surprises: the Toronto Maple Leafs, the New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens dominate. Auston Matthews and his team sit at the top with an estimated value of $3.66 billion, followed by the Big Apple at $3.25 billion, while the CH completes the podium with $2.93 billion. However, although this trio leads at present, it could be shaken up in the coming seasons. Boston, currently in fourth position, displays the third best progression in the ranking with an increase of 50%. At this rate, the Bruins could soon overtake the Canadiens, especially given the recent performances of both clubs.
What about the last two expansion teams? The owners of the Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken can be happy to have seized the opportunity to establish themselves in the NHL. Vegas, which paid $500 million in 2017, now reaches a value of $1.77 billion, an increase of 354% in seven years. The troupe led by Bruce Cassidy ranks 12th in the ranking established by Sporty. As for Seattle, after a little over three years of activity, the franchise is now worth $1.46 billion. David Bonderman, Jerry Bruckheimer and Tod Leiweke spent $650 million in 2021 to acquire the 32nd team on the Bettman circuit.
Proof that investment in professional sport, although costly, can yield interesting dividends.
