NHL franchise values rise at record rates, but one player agent isn't happy about it

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Cooper Godin
November 9, 2023 (10:09)

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With 2023 winding down, Sportico, a Sports business company, has released their valuations for all 32 franchises in the National Hockey League and for every team, it's positive news.

Overall, the average NHL franchise is worth $1.31 billion USD, which is a 29 percent increase from 2022.

As was the case in 2021 and 2022, the Toronto Maple Leafs lead the way on Sportico's list, with them being valued at $2.65 billion USD, a $500 million jump (25%) when compared to last year.

The New York Rangers ($2.45 billion USD), Montreal Canadiens ($2.27 billion USD), Chicago Blackhawks ($1.84 billion USD) and Boston Bruins ($1.78 billion USD) round out the top-five. The league only 'Original Six' franchise not in the top-six is the Detroit Red Wings, who sit in 10th ($1.37 billion USD).

For some context, here is how Sportico calculates the value of all 32 National Hockey League franchises:

"To derive the fair market value of the 32 NHL franchises, Sportico calculated each team's revenue, relying on publicly available information and financial records�as well as interviews with those knowledgeable of team finances, including nine sports bankers and lawyers who actively work on NHL transactions."

At the other end of the spectrum, the Arizona Coyotes find themselves in 32nd overall, once again, but have made a 45% jump compared to 2022 and are currently valued at $675 million USD. The Columbus Blue Jackets (31st - $880 million USD), Buffalo Sabres (30th - $900 million USD), Florida Panthers (29th - $910 million USD) and Winnipeg Jets (28th - $925 million USD) round out the bottom-five.

Despite the climb in franchise values one agent pointed out the significant lack of growth everywhere else.

NHL Franchise Values EXPLODING! Up almost 30% in the last year.

Salary Cap? Player Salaries? Not so much