What’s Behind the NHL’s Hockey Stick Growth?

On the latest Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Jacob Feldman are joined by Kurt Badenhausen to break down Sportico‘s recently published NHL valuations.

The average NHL franchise is now worth $1.8 billion, up 92% since 2021. As Kurt explains, a lot of that growth has come from Sun Belt teams that were once viewed as struggling properties but have since found a formula for success—and sellouts. A handful of team transactions over the last year have also left the league in a stronger position for future growth. The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to lead the way at the top, with an updated valuation of $3.66 billion. The New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins and Los Angeles Kings round out the top 5.

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A new generation of hockey players have also learned to express more of their personalities publicly, helping to entice young fans and hook a new generation of viewers. At the same time, the league has expanded its sponsorship inventory with innovative in-game inventory on dasherboards, jerseys and helmets.

We also discuss the role of the NHL’s current salary cap on valuations, and Scott asks whether Kurt would suggest investing in the Boston Bruins or the currently for sale Boston Celtics at the moment, considering the Bruins’ value jumped 50% over the last year.

For more on the state of hockey, Kurt spoke with NHL insider Kevin Weekes. The full numbers are available to Sportico subscribers.

(You can subscribe to Sporticast through Apple, Google, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever else you get your podcasts.)

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