• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Senators’ Record Sale Price Shows NHL’s Strength, Team’s Upside

  • History-making sale arrives amid period of historical strength for the league
  • Proposed downtown arena would transform team’s revenue-generating power
Ottawa Senators players together on the ice after scoring a goal.
Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

The Ottawa Senators play in one of the NHL’s smallest media markets, ranked 25th in average attendance this season, haven’t reached the playoffs since 2017, and have regularly posted operating losses.

Before Tuesday, the idea that the club would sell for a record price seems admittedly farfetched.

But the robust health of the league, the promise of a new downtown arena, and competitive bidding led to a sale worth nearly $1 billion to Montreal Canadiens co-owner Michael Andlauer, a new NHL highwater mark. The deal tops the $900 million Fenway Sports Group paid for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2021.

Arriving after a protracted, seven-month sales process, the deal further underlines a period of historic strength for the NHL. 

Overall hockey-related revenue is projected to approach $6 billion in 2022-23, burnished in part by long-term labor peace with the NHL Players Association and lucrative media rights contracts with Disney and WBD collectively worth nearly $4.4 billion.

The Senators aim to build a new arena in Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats that would supplant the 27-year-old Canadian Tire Centre — located about 16 miles from downtown Ottawa — and transform the team’s revenue-generating power.

In December, Forbes estimated the Senators’ value at $800 million — good for only 24th in the league. But Andlauer prevailed over several other bidders in a vigorous competition, including Toronto businessman Steve Apostolopoulos, who exited the bidding several days ago.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.

Featured Today

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
September 9, 2025

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.
opinion
September 9, 2025

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly from NFL’s Week 1 Broadcasts

Many viewers decried the addition of ads to “NFL RedZone.”
Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leads the team onto the field for warm ups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
September 7, 2025

Slow Burn: The NFL’s Private-Equity Era So Far

Three deals have been struck to date. But the league is bullish.

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
June 24, 2025

Timberwolves’ 4-Year Ownership Saga Ends As A-Rod, Lore Take Over

The unanimous approval brought a clean end to a long-disputed transaction.
Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) before game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
June 25, 2025

Rockets Get $20 Million in Wiggle Room From New VanVleet Deal

VanVleet first signed with the Rockets in 2023.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
April 20, 2025

Max Verstappen Linked to $300M Aston Martin Deal Ahead of Miami GP

Aston Martin is currently seventh in the constructors championship.
March 27, 2025

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions Gets PE Boost

The Hall of Famer’s company gains another prominent backer.
March 20, 2025

High School Sports Power Signs Eight-Figure Rights Deal in First

The deal pays roughly $1 million annually, FOS has learned.
March 20, 2025

Maxx Crosby’s Agent: Edge Rushers Set to Dominate NFL’s Non-QB Market

Maxx Crosby just signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension.