The Most Valuable Sports Teams in Canada

Canada’s love for sports is undeniable. From the national passion for ice hockey to the growing interest in soccer, basketball, and beyond, Canadians rally excitedly behind their teams. This excitement also translates into significant financial value, with several sports franchises commanding staggering valuations.

In this blog, we dive into sports economics and share Canada’s most valuable sports teams.

Toronto Raptors

While most people first think of hockey when they think of Canadian sports teams, according to the Toronto Sun, the Toronto Raptors are the most valuable Canadian franchise.¹ Data analysts looked at NHL, MLB, NBA, and MLS year-over-year growth and changes in value over the last decade and found that the Raptors took the top spot. They are worth a reported $4.11 billion.²

Since their inception in 1995, the Raptors have steadily grown in popularity, culminating in a historic NBA championship victory in 2019. Led by superstars such as RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes, the Raptors have captured the hearts of Toronto and expanded their fan base nationwide.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Canada’s identity is inseparable from the sport of ice hockey. The National Hockey League (NHL) boasts several iconic Canadian teams that have garnered immense value over the years. Leading the pack is the Toronto Maple Leafs, a storied franchise with a rich history dating back to 1917.

Despite enduring a championship drought since 1967, the Maple Leafs consistently rank among the NHL’s most valuable teams, owing to their loyal fan base, lucrative broadcasting deals, and prime real estate in the hockey-crazed city of Toronto. As of 2023, the Leafs are worth $2.8 billion.³

Montreal Canadiens

Another NHL powerhouse, the Montreal Canadiens, holds a special place in the hearts of hockey fans across Canada. With a record 24 Stanley Cup championships, the Canadiens boast an unparalleled legacy in the sport. While recent years have seen the team grapple with on-ice challenges, their brand remains valuable, fueled by a passionate fan base and historic significance within the NHL landscape. As of 2023, the franchise had an estimated value of $2.3 billion.⁴

Toronto FC & Vancouver Whitecaps

While hockey and basketball dominate the Canadian sports landscape, soccer has steadily gained ground in recent years. The emergence of Major League Soccer (MLS) has provided a platform for Canadian soccer clubs to thrive, with the most notable being Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps. Toronto FC, in particular, has experienced considerable success, winning the MLS Cup, the Supporters’ Shield, and the Canadian Championship (the domestic treble) in 2017, making them the first and only MLS club ever to do so.⁵

Toronto FC was worth $690 million, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC was worth $410 million in February 2023.⁶

Canada’s sports landscape is passionate and diverse, with teams spanning multiple disciplines and captivating audiences nationwide. From the historic dominance of NHL powerhouses such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens to the emergence of basketball and soccer as significant players in the Canadian sports scene, it’s exciting to watch the country’s most valuable sports teams grow.

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