NHL Franchise Valuations Surge, Reflecting Unprecedented Growth

By Stacy M. Brown | NNPACourtesy of NNPA(NNPA) – The National Hockey League (NHL) is enjoying a financial boom, as CNBC’s 2024 NHL team valuations reveal an average franchise value of $1.92 billion. This milestone underscores the league’s growing economic impact, bolstered by increased revenues, lucrative sponsorships, and strategic cost management that ensures profitability for all 32 teams.NHL’s Elite Lead the PackAt the top of the list, the Toronto Maple Leafs are valued at $4 billion, followed by the New York Rangers at $3.5 billion and the Montreal Canadiens at $3.1 billion. These franchises represent hockey’s richest markets, leveraging their iconic status to drive record revenues and profitability.Toronto leads in profitability with an EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) of $139.5 million, while Montreal posted $111.2 million. The Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers also posted strong EBIDTA figures, solidifying their positions among the league’s most financially robust teams.The Factors Behind the GrowthThe NHL’s financial success stems from a combination of record-setting revenues and disciplined financial practices:Revenue Growth: The league reported $6.3 billion in hockey-related revenue for the 2023-24 season, an 8.6% increase year-over-year. Ticket and Sponsorship Revenue: Regular-season gate receipts reached $2.4 billion, while national sponsorship revenue...