Maple Leafs Remain NHL's Most Valuable Franchise in 2026 Sportico Rankings
Sportico's 2026 NHL valuations place Toronto first at $4.8 billion, marking a sixth consecutive year atop the list. The Rangers are second at $4.15 billion, while Montreal, Los Angeles and Boston round out the top five. The league's average club value rose to $2.43 billion, and a record 20 teams are now worth over $2 billion.
Toronto’s $4.8B valuation leads Sportico’s 2026 NHL list, its sixth consecutive first-place finish and a 13% year-over-year increase. The New York Rangers are the only other club above $4B, at $4.15B, while Montreal ranks third at $3.8B. Los Angeles and Boston follow, having traded positions from a year earlier.
League-wide, the average club is valued at $2.43B, up from $2.1B, with all 32 teams totaling $77.8B. Twenty franchises now exceed $2B, a record, and eight are worth at least $3B. The Islanders posted the largest gain, rising 40% to $2.7B.
Rising valuations may affect fans, players, and host cities. Higher team worth could encourage more investment in arenas, sponsorships, and media deals, potentially raising ticket and merchandise prices. Players may benefit through revenue-linked payouts, as noted by the record $170 million payout. Local communities could see economic activity from games and events, though benefits and costs may not be evenly shared.