The Highest-Valued NHL Teams
The Toronto Maple Leafs reign supreme as the highest-valued NHL team, according to CNBC’s list of NHL valuations for 2024. With a valuation of $3.8 billion, the Maple Leafs lead the pack by a significant margin of $300 million over the second-highest team.
Top 5 Valued NHL Teams
The top 5 valued NHL teams are:
- 1. Toronto Maple Leafs – $3.8 billion
- 2. New York Rangers – $3.5 billion
- 3. Montreal Canadiens – $3.1 billion
- 4. Los Angeles Kings – $2.85 billion
- 5. Boston Bruins – $2.75 billion
What Factors Contribute to a Team’s Valuation?
CNBC sports reporter Michael Ozanian breaks down the process of determining an NHL franchise’s value, which uses the EBITDA formula. Key valuation points include:
- Potential recent team sales and/or new arena constructions
- ticket gate receipts
- Sponsorship revenue
- Playoff revenue
- and more
Why the Maple Leafs Stand Out
The Maple Leafs’ recent sale in September, where Rogers Communications bought Bell Canada Enterprises’ 37.5% stake in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, played a significant role in their valuation. The deal was valued at $9.3 billion, per Ozanian, which helped the Maple Leafs top the 2024 list.
Other Notable Teams
The Los Angeles Kings are valued higher than the Anaheim Ducks due to their ownership of the building where they play. The Kings owner, Bill Anschutz, also owns the building, which generates significant revenue from non-NHL events. The San Jose Sharks, on the other hand, have a negative EBITDA due to a decline in attendance and low local TV revenue.
Conclusion
The NHL’s top teams are highly valued due to a combination of factors, including revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships, and playoff revenue. The Maple Leafs’ recent sale and the Kings’ ownership of their building have contributed to their high valuations. The Flyers, meanwhile, are well-positioned to rise higher in the future due to their healthy RSN deal and potential naming rights deal.
FAQs
Q: How is an NHL team’s value determined?
A: An NHL team’s value is determined using the EBITDA formula, which takes into account factors such as potential recent team sales and/or new arena constructions, ticket gate receipts, sponsorship revenue, playoff revenue, and more.
Q: Why are the Maple Leafs the highest-valued NHL team?
A: The Maple Leafs’ recent sale in September, where Rogers Communications bought Bell Canada Enterprises’ 37.5% stake in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, played a significant role in their valuation. The deal was valued at $9.3 billion, per Ozanian, which helped the Maple Leafs top the 2024 list.
Q: Why are the Los Angeles Kings valued higher than the Anaheim Ducks?
A: The Kings are valued higher than the Ducks due to their ownership of the building where they play. The Kings owner, Bill Anschutz, also owns the building, which generates significant revenue from non-NHL events.
Q: What factors contribute to a team’s EBITDA?
A: EBITDA is influenced by a team’s revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships, and playoff revenue, as well as their expenses, such as player salaries and arena operations.
