Rangers and Maple Leafs Named Most Valuable NHL Franchises

According to a recent report by Forbes, the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs top the list of the most valuable franchises in the NHL.

Here are the NHL’s most valuable teams of 2020: https://t.co/DriDPJaQsP pic.twitter.com/6bbxEqqyML

— Forbes (@Forbes) December 9, 2020

The Rangers top the list at $1.65 billion, while the Maple Leafs come in a close second at $1.5 billion. And while the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, and Boston Bruins round out the top-5, there is some concern about the overall worth of the league. 

The report mentioned:

The result: The average NHL team value fell 2%, to $653 million, the first decline since 2001. Revenue for the league totaled $4.4 billion during the 2019-20 season, 14% less than the previous year. Operating income was $250 million, down 68%. That’s left many owners scrambling for a lifeline. Some teams have borrowed money to mitigate losses, with average team debt rising to $144 million from $127 million last year, by our count. More losses are expected from the abbreviated 2020-21 season, so the league is looking to tap the private placement market for more debt, according to sources.

Outside of the top-five only the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders values went up last season. The big market franchises make a ton of money off of local television networks and with no fans in the stands for at least a portion of next season, it's going to be interesting times around the NHL landscape.

For the full list of where all 31 teams ranked, click here.

Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro/Icon Sportswire