There is no argument that the NHL raanks fourth amongst the four major sports. However, the fans are still coming out to support their teams and it si showing through revenue. The NHL has seen a rise financially over the years and both revenu and the league continue to soar. Let us take a look at where the league is heading financially and how much it has grown over the past few seasons.
Where does the league revenue sit today?
The league has done a better job recently promoting its sport and its stars. Aside from one small part, the Olympics were a big bright spot for the league as a whole and they have seen a rise since the United States won the Men's Gold Medal. The league has seen a big increase in overall revenue since the 2020-21 season. In 21-22, the league revenue was $5.3 billion. In 22-23 it remained the same but in 23-24 it rose to $6.3 billion . In 24-25, the NHL revenue was estimated to be between $6.5 and $6.8 billion. The latest is seeing that the NHL revenue is projected to be $6.8 again but this is a rise of $1.5 billion since 21-22.
Sponsorships have also seen a slight increase. In 23-24, $1.4 billion was made but but in 24-25 there was a bump and that total was made public as $1.53 billion The NHL and Rogers Communications announced a new television deal last season. That new agreement is for the NHL to give national media rights to Rogers Communications through the 2037-38 season. The $11 billion deal starts in the 2026-27 season. The $11 billion in Canadian funds and translates to $8 billion in U.S. funds.
Most notable NHL franchises in value
The NHl is driven by how well the canadian teams do and that should come as no surprise. The most valuable NHL franchise is the Toronto Maple Leafs coming in at $4.4 billion and bringing in $375 million in revenue. They are followed by the New York Rangers, who are valued at $4 billion and bring in $322 million in revenue. The Montreal Canadians are at #3 at $3.4 billion and topping out at #320 million in revenue. The next two teams are from the Pacific Division and are playoff rivals. The Edmonton Oilers are at #3.2 billion with $431 million in revenue. Rounding out the top five are the Los Angeles KIngs, who are valued at #3.1 billion and bring in #333 million in revenue.
Being the fourth of the four major sports is not a bad thing. The league is doing quite well financially and all things are pointing upward. While they may have some work to do as far as further promoting the league, the fans are coming out and shelling out big bucks for the product on the ice. With the salary cap going up over the next few seasons, this can only be a good thing as they continue to climb in terms of revenue. Comissioner Gary Bettman is keeping a close eye on the overall product. Yes, he is mainly keeping an eye on the financial side of things but he wants to keep the product on and off the ice as sharp as can be. The NHL is quietly having success in many ways, not only on the ice.