• Loading stock data...
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Stephen A. Smith vs Clay Travis at Tuned In on September 16 in NYC. Don’t miss it. Buy tickets now!

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

Schultz of Israel-Premier Tech

Rice Krispies Treats Are Upending the Billion-Dollar Athlete-Fuel Wars

The world’s most elite athletes are eating like first graders.
Dec 14, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; President Donald Trump wave during the second quarter of the game between the Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field

‘Political Gold’: Trump Putting His Stamp on College Sports 

Trump has embraced executive action on hot-button college sports issues.

More Dildo Throwing During WNBA Games Leads to Second Arrest

The 18-year-old threw a dildo that hit another fan and his young niece.

Featured Today

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.

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

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
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.