Blues franchise valuation doubles on latest Forbes’ list

The St. Louis Blues are a very good hockey team with very exciting players, but they’re also a mid-market franchise. It can be tough for mid-market teams to turn a profit, and since 2008 (when Forbes started keeping their Business of Hockey list) to 2015, the Blues were one of those teams operating in the red.

In 2016, though, signs were there that the team’s financial futures were turning around. Factor in a few strong playoff appearances and the rising status of stars like Vladimir Tarasenko, Colton Parayko, and Jaden Schwartz, and you have a money maker.

Also, factor in the Rams returning to LA and making the Blues the only show in town for the whole season. That, I’m sure made a big difference.

This year, the Blues are valued at $450 million (good for #17 on the Forbes list), which is a whopping 45% increase. Tom Stillman and his group bought the team in 2012 for $180 million, and promptly began a series of decisions (like spending money and getting a NHL caliber coach or two) that improved the team’s performance and have made them a consistent playoff contender. That, of course, only added to the value of the team. You gotta spend money to make money.

Team revenue for the latest year is $150 million.

For the full list (the New York Rangers are number one), head over to Forbes. With the salary cap potentially going up $5 million next season due to increased league revenue (and expansion fees!), the Blues will continue to be in a position to compete.