Forbes Releases Annual Financial Glimpse At NHL
FORBES magazine released its annual study of NHL franchises. The magazine did
not release its traditional individual team valuations because of the cancellation
of the ‘04-05 season. Following are the various economic characteristics the magazine
highlighted:
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FORBES' '05 NHL STANDOUT TEAMS
|
| Most Valuable Team |
Maple Leafs
|
$325M
|
| Least Valuable Team |
Hurricanes
|
$65M
|
| Most Expensive Game To Attend^ |
Devils
|
$310
|
| Least Expensive Game To Attend^ |
Hurricanes
|
$171
|
| Biggest Increase In Franchise Value^^ |
Maple Leafs
|
86%
|
| Biggest Decrease In Franchise Value^^ |
Panthers
|
-26%
|
| Highest Operating Income^^ |
Maple Leafs
|
$85M
|
| Highest Operating Loss^^ |
Blues
|
$91M
|
| Most Valuable Team Brand |
Maple Leafs
|
$41M
|
| Least Valuable Team Brand |
Oilers
|
$11M
|
| Highest Media Revenues |
Rangers
|
$28M
|
| Lowest Media Revenues |
Predators
|
$11M
|
| Best-Managed Franchises^^^ |
Senators
|
148
|
| |
Devils
|
129
|
| |
Lightning
|
125
|
| Worst-Managed Franchises^^^ |
Rangers
|
44
|
| |
Capitals
|
83
|
| |
Mighty Ducks
|
83
|
NOTES: ^ = Based on Team Marketing Report’s estimated cost of tickets,
concessions, merchandise and parking for a family of four. ^^ = Most recent five
years. ^^^ = Based on wins-per-player costs for the past five seasons, with playoff
wins counting double. A score of 100 is average (FORBES, 11/28 issue).
Forbes Senior Editor Michael Ozanian: “The impact of the lockout was to strengthen
and help franchise values and help profitability. It has completely put the onus
on the owners. If they can’t make the league go now, they have nobody to blame
but themselves. There are no more excuses” (L.A. TIMES, 11/15).
NHL RESPONSE: NHL VP/Group Communications Bernadette Mansur: “For more
than seven years, the NHL has not provided financial information to Forbes for
this article. And, for more than seven years, the article has been filled with
inaccuracies” (THE DAILY).
 |
|
Richard Peddie Discounts Forbes’ Data
|
MAPLE LEAFS: MLSE President Richard Peddie, on Forbes’ valuation for the
Maple Leafs: “It’s not even close.” Peddie added that the Maple Leafs’ actual
operating profit “is much less once you account for taxes and the fact that MLSE
pays [C$27M] per year on its debt.” But Ozanian said, “I had a banker tell me
he could find a buyer and sell the Maple Leafs tomorrow for $300[M], so I think
$325[M] is very reasonable.” Ozanian noted the Devils sold last year for $125M
and said, “What’s a better deal, $325[M] for the Maple Leafs, including the revenue
they get from the building, or $125[M] for the Devils?” (TORONTO STAR, 11/11).
PANTHERS: Panthers Majority Owner Alan Cohen said that he paid $85M for
the team in ’01 and that “while he has no desire to sell it, he could get [$150-175M]
for it now.” Panthers COO Michael Yormark: “I’m not quite sure how [Forbes] came
up with that information. I have not spoken to Forbes, nor has the NHL, so for
them to say they know our value is irresponsible” (PALM BEACH POST, 11/11).
SENATORS: Senators GM John Muckler, on the team ranking first in performance
as it relates to player costs: “Part of it’s skill and part of it is management.
We try to sign our players for their proper value, but I think a lot of our success
has to do with the farm system, being able to promote people” (OTTAWA CITIZEN,
11/11).
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