NHL Valuations and Financial Performance - The average NHL team is now worth $22 billion, a 15% jump from last year [1] - Toronto Maple Leafs are valued at $43 billion, topping the list [1][2] - NHL valuations have increased roughly 100% over the last three years [2] - The new national deal in Canada is about two and a half times larger than the previous 12-year deal with Rogers [7] - NHL expansion will only be considered if it starts with a $2 billion expansion fee [10] Media Deals and Revenue - Regional sports networks are healthier in Canada than in the US [6] - The importance of live sports content is holding its own in a fragmented marketplace [7] - NHL has deals in place with Walt Disney Company (ESPN, ABC) and Time Warner Discovery [8] Competitive Balance and Future Prospects - The league has never been more competitive, and franchises have never been healthier [9] - NHL has the best competitive balance of the major sports due to its cost certainty system [13] - The league is optimistic about future prospects due to the product on the ice and increased valuations [9] Prediction Markets and Integrity - NHL has aligned with the prediction market to give fans access to real data and maintain control [16][17] - The league monitors betting and prediction lines to prevent cheating [17] - Sports betting entities or the prediction market entities gives the ability to have more control and to observe more closely exactly what's going on [18]

Ownership Changes & Investment - The Lakers were valued at $10 billion, despite not owning their building, network, WNBA team, or hockey team [1] - Private equity and sovereign wealth funds are entering the sports business, providing liquidity for partners [1] - NBA owners meeting highlighted significant ownership changes, including potential changes for the Celtics and Lakers [2] - Private equity's involvement brings an expectation of operating like a real business, with a focus on eventual exit strategies [2]

Growth Drivers - NFL's overall growth over the past decade is a key factor [1] - Stan Kroenke's vision in building SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, a 300-acre mixed-use retail district, contributes to growth [1] - Hosting major events like the World Cup (eight matches next year), Super Bowl in 2027, and Olympics in 2028 boosts growth [1] - Winning games and a Super Bowl positively impacts growth [1] Future Opportunities - Significant growth potential exists in international games, including a game in Brazil and a potential game in Melbourne, Australia [2] - The rise of flag football in the Olympics presents a growth opportunity [3] - The large number of fantasy football players and NFL viewers indicates substantial growth potential [3] League Strategy - Continued hard work from all 32 teams and the league office is necessary to sustain growth [3] - The league argues that Nielsen likely undercounts viewership [2]

NFL Team Valuations - The average NFL team is now worth $765 billion, an increase of nearly 18% compared to last year [1] - The Dallas Cowboys are the most valuable NFL team, worth $125 billion, nearly $2 billion more than the next most valuable team [1] - Private equity investment in the NFL has set a floor on valuations and added liquidity [1] - LP stakes are now coming in at almost control valuations due to the presence of private equity [1] Team Transactions - The Eagles set a record with an $83 billion valuation for a small piece, which was then topped by the 49ers at $86 billion [1] - The Bears are awaiting approval to sell a small piece at $89 billion [1] - The New York Giants are on the verge of selling a 15% stake to Julia Ko at over $10 billion valuation [1] - Investors are willing to pay close to control valuations because of the liquidity provided by private equity [1]

CNBC is out this morning with our official NFL valuations. The average team is now worth 7.65% billion. That's an increase of nearly 18% compared with last year.Right now, we want to take a look at the top five most valuable NFL teams. Coming in at the top once again, the Dallas Cowboys worth 12.5% billion. That's nearly $2 billion more than the next most valuable team.Rounding out the top five, you've got the LA Rams, the New York Giants, the Las Vegas Raiders and the New England Patriots. Joining us right ...

WNBA Expansion and Growth - WNBA is capitalizing on growing popularity and high demand, entering an expansion phase [3][4] - The league aims for 18 teams by the end of the decade, adding Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia in 2028, 2029, and 2030 respectively, and Toronto and Portland next year [4][5] - Expansion balances game quality, player opportunities, and strategic city selection [5] Financial Performance and Valuation - WNBA is experiencing tailwinds for women's sports and sports in general, particularly in team valuations [6] - Positive elements like uniform patch valuations, media ad spots, and franchise valuations are driven by revenue and revenue multiples [7] - Capital raised in February 2022 helped the WNBA transition into a hypergrowth phase [8] - Team revenues are increasing from gate receipts, corporate partnerships, and local media deals [9] - Team valuations have significantly increased from $5 million to $260-270 million [9] Media and Partnerships - WNBA has signed a significant national media deal, including with NBC, starting next year [9] - Corporate partners and NBA/former NBA players are strong supporters of the WNBA [2]