Franchise values across the NHL have surged in recent years, with average team valuations more than doubling since 2022. Media deals, global fan growth, sponsorships, and rising ticket demand have fueled this boom.
Two teams are now worth over $4 billion, while even the lowest-valued franchises exceed $1.3 billion — showing hockey’s growing business power.
Here are the 10 most valuable NHL teams in 2026.
With a value of $4.4 billion, the Toronto Maple Leafs remain the most valuable franchise in hockey for the third straight year. Star players like Auston Matthews also help drive merchandise sales and global attention.
The Maple Leafs generate approximately $375 million in revenue annually.
The New York Rangers continue to benefit from playing in one of the world’s most famous arenas — Madison Square Garden. Their global visibility and premium ticket pricing help maintain their place among hockey’s elite.
With a value of $4 billion, the Rangers remain one of the strongest brands in North American sports.
The Montreal Canadiens are one of the oldest and most successful teams in hockey history. Their legacy, combined with a passionate Canadian fan base, keeps them among the most valuable teams in the league.
The Canadiens generate roughly $320 million annually, supported by strong ticket demand and merchandise sales.
The Edmonton Oilers have experienced rapid growth thanks to superstar talent, including Connor McDavid. The team also leads the league in operating income, generating approximately $244 million in profit.
Their strong performance both on and off the ice continues to boost their value.
Located in one of the largest media markets in the world, the Los Angeles Kings benefit from strong sponsorship deals and entertainment-driven branding. Their position in Southern California gives them unique commercial opportunities compared to smaller-market teams.
The Boston Bruins remain one of the most recognizable teams in hockey. Their long history, loyal fan base, and consistent playoff appearances help maintain their strong valuation.
Boston continues to generate significant revenue through ticket sales and media deals.
Despite recent rebuilding seasons, the Chicago Blackhawks remain one of hockey’s most valuable teams. The arrival of rising star Connor Bedard has already boosted interest and ticket demand.
Chicago’s large market and strong fan base keep the franchise financially powerful.
Philadelphia is known for its passionate sports fans, and the Flyers benefit from one of the most dedicated audiences in the league. Strong local TV deals and sponsorships continue to drive revenue growth.
The Washington Capitals continue to benefit from the global popularity of superstar Alex Ovechkin. His pursuit of scoring records has brought massive attention to the franchise.
The team generates approximately $282 million in revenue annually.
The Detroit Red Wings round out the top 10. Known as one of hockey’s classic franchises, Detroit continues to maintain strong brand recognition and loyal support.
Their long history and dedicated fan base help keep them among the league’s most valuable teams.
Several key factors are driving the rise in NHL franchise values:
New broadcast agreements in North America have dramatically increased revenue across the league.
Teams now feature sponsor logos on jerseys, helmets, and digital rink boards, creating new income streams.
The NHL is expanding its presence in Europe and international markets, attracting new fans and investors.
Live hockey remains one of the most exciting sports experiences, helping teams maintain strong attendance. Sales of tickets to NHL games jumped more than 20% after the hit HBO show based on hockey debuted in the fall, according to ticket vendors.
The NHL’s financial future looks bright. With new media deals, global expansion, and rising popularity, franchise values are expected to continue climbing.
There is also speculation about potential expansion teams, which could cost more than $2 billion to join the league — another sign of hockey’s growing business power.
The NHL’s franchise valuations have been trending upward, driven by media rights, arena revenues, and market size. Original Six clubs like the Montreal Canadiens still carry historic weight, while organizations such as the Toronto Maple Leafs lead in commercial strength and brand reach.
But from a performance perspective, these numbers don’t tell you who actually controls the ice. Valuation is a business metric — it reflects ownership structure, market dynamics, and revenue streams. It does not measure roster depth, systems, or competitive execution.
As a coach, you don’t build a game plan off franchise value. You build it off structure, discipline, and how a team performs under pressure. Some of the most “valuable” teams on paper don’t translate that into consistent results when it matters.
Bottom line: this list is useful for understanding the business side of the league. But if you’re trying to read the real competitive landscape, it gives you limited insight into who’s actually built to win.
