The Toronto Maple Leafs have reclaimed their title as the most valuable team in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Leafs are marking their first return to the top spot since 2014.
Despite their Stanley Cup drought since 1967, Forbes places the Maple Leafs at an impressive $2.8 billion valuation, surpassing the New York Rangers by $150 million. The Rangers had held the leading position for eight consecutive years.
Interestingly, the recent acquisition of a 5% stake in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) by the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System further solidifies the team’s financial prowess.
MLSE, the parent company of the Maple Leafs, the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, and MLS’s Toronto FC, is valued at $8.4 billion. Forbes valued the Raptors at $4.1 billion and Toronto FC at $690 million.
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While skeptics may doubt the Maple Leafs’ value, but when you look at MLSE’s ownership of Scotiabank Arena and their intricate financial setup, the estimated $2.8 billion seems like a conservative figure. The Leafs’ is a combination of their game victories and strategic decisions.
Amid concerns about regional sports networks, the league’s average team value has surged by 29%, reaching $1.33 billion.
Notably, the Los Angeles Kings, owned by billionaire Philip Anschutz, seized the fourth spot in team rankings with a valued worth of $2 billion. A recent two-phase renovation of the Crypto.com Arena, also owned by Anschutz, prioritised opulent spaces for the affluent L.A. fan base.
The arena, shared with the NBA’s Lakers and Clippers, boasts premium suites and club seating. It contributes to the Kings’ impressive $279 million revenue and $108 million operating income last season.
The NHL’s sponsorship landscape has also flourished, witnessing a remarkable 36% surge in team-specific sponsorship revenue to $1.14 billion for the ongoing 2022-23 season, showcasing robust growth in this pivotal sector.
