NHL Teams Soar in Value: Unveiling CNBC's 2025 Valuations
In a game where passion meets economics, the National Hockey League (NHL) is experiencing a remarkable shift. According to CNBC’s 2025 evaluations, the average worth of an NHL team has surged to $2.2 billion—a 15% increase from the previous year. This ascent in valuation is not just an isolated occurrence but part of a broader momentum fueled by lucrative media rights deals.
Windfalls from Media Rights
At the heart of this boom is a 12-year national Canadian media rights deal inked between the NHL and Rogers Communications. Scheduled to begin with the 2026-27 season, this deal boasts a staggering \(7.79 billion value, dwarfing its predecessor. Meanwhile, the US media rights agreements are set to enhance budgets further, with experts estimating a potential doubling of the existing \)630 million annual average from partnerships with giants like Walt Disney and Warner Brothers Discovery.
Revenue Surges Across the Board
The 2024-25 season saw the league’s 32 teams collectively boost their revenue by 9% compared to the previous year. With national media rights being equally distributed among teams, clubs with lower revenue witnessed striking appreciations in their valuation, surpassing their peers in high-revenue brackets. Consequently, while all teams benefit, those previously struggling financially find themselves with more substantial gains.
Franchises Leading the Charge
The prestigious Toronto Maple Leafs hold the title of the most valuable franchise, currently estimated at $4.3 billion. Their robust position is supported by investments from Rogers Communications and future projections of higher local broadcasting revenues. The New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens closely follow, benefiting from urban appeal and attractive media propositions.
Rising Stars and Hidden Gems
While Toronto, New York, and Montreal dominate the valuations chart, the Edmonton Oilers have emerged as the dark horse of the league. The presence of star player Connor McDavid and a strong performance in recent Stanley Cup Finals have propelled their value to $3.1 billion, leapfrogging past stalwarts like the Boston Bruins.
With the league poised for potentially transformative media rights negotiations set for the next American cycle beginning in 2028-29, the trajectory for NHL team valuations looks promising. According to CNBC, future deals could continue to reshape the financial landscape of one of North America’s most beloved sports.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for the NHL
This era of growth and valuation doesn’t confine itself to flagship cities. Lesser-known teams are also reaping the rewards. The Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks, for example, are quietly climbing the ranks with improvements in both local and national revenues. As CNBC’s latest figures illustrate, the landscape of NHL franchises is evolving, bringing about a new era in sports valuations. The league continues to garner interest from investors and fans alike, as they eagerly anticipate what the next breakthrough might entail.
