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Maple Leafs represent NHL on Forbes’ 50 most valuable franchises

Phil Kessel celebrates with Dion Phaneuf

Anyone remember when James van Riemsdyk referred to the Toronto Maple Leafs as the New York Yankees of the NHL?

That comparison might not work when talking about actual playing success over the last 40 years, but those two franchises lead their respective sports in terms of financial worth.

Forbes released its list of the 50 most valuable franchises in the world and the Maple Leafs are the NHL’s sole representatives.

Toronto, as previously discussed, is worth $1 billion, which is good enough to put them in a tie with the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Lakers for 31st place.

The least valuable franchise on the list is the Oakland Raiders at $785 million. Based on Forbes Nov. 2012 valuations, the New York Rangers fell just short with a worth of $750 million. The Montreal Canadiens ranked third in the NHL at $575 million.

And in case you’re wondering, Real Madrid ranks number one in the world with a value of $3.3 billion, which is a billion more than the fourth place Yankees.