Forbes: Blackhawks are fourth most valuable NHL franchise, own league's ‘best fans'

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Chicago is home to the best fans in hockey and also one of the most valuable franchises in the National Hockey League, according to Forbes.

In the magazine's annual valuations released Wednesday, it was revealed the Blackhawks' estimated worth is $925 million, which ranks No. 4 in the league. Only the New York Rangers ($1.25 billion), Montreal Canadiens ($1.12 billion) and Toronto Maple Leafs ($1.1 billion) are valued higher.

The Blackhawks have won three Stanley Cups in the last seven seasons, and own two of the most marketable players in Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.

[SHOP: Gear up, Blackhawks fans!]

The fan rankings were compiled based on five metrics: local television ratings, arena attendance, resale ticket demand, merchandise sales, and social media reach.

The Blackhawks have led the NHL in regular season attendance for eight consecutive seasons, and are on track to make it a ninth thanks to a 446 percent fan increase from 2007-2016, including a 600 percent increase in the female fan base, per Scarborough research. Roughly 3.6 million (49 percent of Chicago) describe themselves as Blackhawks fans.

Forbes also pointed to the team's almost perfect season-ticket renewal rate of 99.8 percent — with the waiting list full at 20,000 — and strong television ratings on CSN and WGN that have continued to grow.

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