Forbes’ latest NHL franchise valuations cement the ice hockey competition’s status as the fastest-growing men’s major league in North America. According to the business news outlet, the average franchise value growth far outpaces that in the National Football League (11 per cent), National Basketball Association (NBA) and Major League Baseball (MLB).
That said, NHL franchise valuations still lag behind those of their counterparts in American football, basketball and baseball. Despite topping the NHL charts for a second consecutive year, the Maple Leafs are worth less than all 32 NFL franchises, 18 NBA teams, and four MLB clubs.
One reason for the rising value of ice hockey teams has been a growth in income. Forbes said the average NHL franchise revenue last season was US$225 million, a 12 per cent increase from U$201 million a year earlier. Meanwhile, average operating income increased five per cent to US$53 million, making every team in the league – except for the Arizona Coyotes, who are now Utah Hockey Club – profitable for the 2023/24 campaign.
