Forbes announced their estimated NHL club values Wednesday, with the Toronto Maple Leafs leading the way and the Dallas Stars ranking 10th. The estimated value of the Stars franchise is of particular interest because the club is in the slow process of being sold, and because Tom Hicks may see little return in what should have been a sound investment. From Defending Big D:
As you can probably imagine, an enormous debt coupled with the team's on-ice fortunes taking a hit the last two years drove down the value of the franchise. According to Forbes, the value dropped 8% to $227 million from $245 million in 2009. And as time goes on without a sale, you can bet that valulation is going to drop even further.
And if the 88% debt/value ratio doesn't give you an idea of the how much debt's been saddled on the club, Forbes had this to say in the Skinny section of the Stars profile.
"Tom Hicks may have to unload the Stars for under $250 million. If that is the case Hicks will see no equity gain in the Stars despite buying the team for just $84 million in 1995."
When all is said and done, Tom Hicks rise and fall as a sports owner here in Dallas and abroad in Liverpool will be one of the saddest tales in professional sports ownership.
Mark Stepneski details the drop in their franchise value since 2003:
Year Value Rank 2010 $227 million 10th 2009 $246 million 8th 2008 $273 million 6th 2007 $254 million 5th 2006 $248 million 4th 2004 $259 million 4th 2003 $270 million 2nd