NHL’s Revenue Has Tripled in ‘90s

The NHL has tripled its annual revenue during the 1990s to about $1.4 billion, Commissioner Gary Bettman said Wednesday, adding that much of the increase is because of expansion in the United States.

Bettman said revenue ranges from $60 million to $70 million for teams at the high end to $30 million to $40 million for teams at the low end.

“We are probably the best buy in sports right now because we have the upside appreciation,” Bettman said, speaking to a conference on sports team evaluation and financing.

The NHL has grown from 14 U.S. teams (out of 21) in the 1990-91 season to 22 (out of 28) this season.

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Vancouver Canucks captain Mark Messier will miss at least four weeks because of a sprained ligament in his right knee. . . . Unrestricted free-agent forward Pat Verbeek reached agreement on a two-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings. . . . Wayne Huizenga wants to sell the Florida Panthers because he’s concerned about rising NHL player salaries and the stock price for the team’s public company. . . . Pittsburgh Penguin General Manager Craig Patrick missed Wednesday night’s home game against Montreal while recovering from minor injuries sustained in a one-car accident. . . . Lamar Hunt has abandoned his attempt to seek control of the Columbus Blue Jackets, which begin play next year, after reaching an agreement to hand the franchise to the ownership group headed by steel magnate John McConnell.