Montreal Canadiens valued at 5.4 billion CAD, Sportico report says

The Montreal Canadiens are now valued at 5.4 billion Canadian dollars—equivalent to 3.8 billion U.S. dollars—marking a 15% increase from the previous year according to a valuation report published by Sportico. C’est étourdissant à quel point les franchises de sport prennent de la valeur, said Éric Brunelle, professor at the Department of Management and director of the Pôle sports at HEC Montréal, noting that sports franchises are highly sought after by investors, with the NHL being no exception.

Montreal Canadiens Revenue Climbs Following Extended Postseason Run

According to Sportico’s financial data, the organization generated 364 million U.S. dollars in revenue for the 2025–2026 season, representing a 9% increase over the 335 million U.S. dollars recorded the prior year. These revenue totals encompass non-hockey events hosted within team-owned or managed arenas, including concerts and entertainment gatherings. Across all 32 NHL teams, total revenues reached 8.3 billion U.S. dollars for the season, averaging 259 million U.S. dollars per club, which reflects a 4.4% increase across the league compared to the previous year. Explaining the financial mechanisms behind this growth, Éric Brunelle noted that ticketing revenues are minimal relative to overall revenue streams, bolstered by a powerful brand that drives merchandise sales and premium broadcasting rights negotiations.

Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers Lead NHL Valuation Rankings

While the Canadiens experienced a significant financial boost, the club remains third in the NHL valuation hierarchy behind the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers. Sportico’s data places the Maple Leafs at the top of the league standings with a valuation of 4.8 billion U.S. dollars—approximately 6.8 billion Canadian dollars—reflecting a 13% increase from the previous year. The Rangers occupy the second position globally, with their value climbing 14% to 4.15 billion U.S. dollars (roughly 5,9 milliards $ canadiens). Rounding out the upper tier of franchise values are the Los Angeles Kings and Boston Bruins, both valued at 3.3 billion U.S. dollars. Other notable valuations in the upper echelon include the Chicago Blackhawks at 3.2 billion U.S. dollars, the Philadelphia Flyers and Edmonton Oilers both at 3.1 billion U.S. dollars, and the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders both valued at 2.7 billion U.S. dollars. The New York Islanders recorded the single largest annual appreciation in the league with a 40% surge, while the Pittsburgh Penguins posted the lowest gain at 3%, remaining the only team with a growth rate below 10%. At the opposite end of the valuation spectrum, the Columbus Blue Jackets sit at the bottom with a value of 1.5 billion U.S. dollars, accompanied by the Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, and Ottawa Senators, whose valuations hover around the 1.5 billion U.S. dollar mark.

Broadcasting Agreements and League-Wide Financial Growth Projected for 2026–2027

Sportico reports that total league revenues are anticipated to climb by 8 to 9% following the implementation of a new 12-year broadcast pact in Canada. Rogers Communications secured the agreement last year valued at 11 billion Canadian dollars, doubling the financial commitment of its 2013 initial contract with the league for Sportsnet, which stood at 5.2 billion Canadian dollars. Evaluators from Sportico compiled these figures through extensive consultations with team owners, league executives, investment bankers, legal counsel, and sports economists.

Montreal Canadiens Valuation Rises Since 2009 Purchase

The current valuation of 5.4 billion Canadian dollars contrasts sharply with the acquisition cost recorded 17 years ago. An ownership group led by Geoff Molson purchased the Montreal Canadiens and the Bell Centre in 2009 for 575 million U.S. dollars—roughly 600 millions $ canadiens at the time. Over the past five years, the valuation of the Tricolore has risen consistently, with successive annual gains of 7.6% in 2022, 33.5% in 2023, 29.1% in 2024, 12.6% in 2025, and 15.2% in 2026. Across the NHL, the average franchise value now stands at 2.43 billion U.S. dollars, up from under 1 billion U.S. dollars in 2021 before crossing the 1 milliard threshold in 2022. This represents a 16% increase over 2025 figures and a 160% expansion across a five-year window, during which collective league value reached 78 billion U.S. dollars. By comparison, over the exact same timeframe, franchise values grew by 166% in the NFL, 122% in the NBA, and 44% in the MLB.