Scott Burnside has a nice piece on the 20th year anniversary of Gary Bettman taking over as NHL Commissioner. (Some comments by yours truly in the middle).
Here are some more of the financial growth details not included in the article:
From 1994 to 2012 NHL average franchise values have increased at a compound annual growth rate of 8.85%.
From 1994 to 2011 (latest data I have) NHL average team total revenues have increased at a compound annual growth rate of 7.23%; average player costs have increased at a compound annual growth rate of 9.28%; and average team operating income has increased at a compound annual growth rate of 0.58%.
Finally, from 1995 to 2012 NHL average ticket prices have increased at a compound annual growth rate of 3.23% and the average of the Fan Cost Index (provided by Team Marketing Report) has increased at a compound annual growth rate of 3.10%.