Explore the nuances of buying, selling, and valuing junior hockey teams through the insights of industry expert Cary Kaplan. Whether you're passionate about hockey or interested in sports investments, this episode uncovers what it truly means to own a sports team.

In this episode:

• Cary Kaplan's background in sports marketing and team management since 1995
• The landscape of junior hockey in Canada and how it has evolved
• How teams are valued — beyond profits — driven by scarcity and passion
• Common reasons owners sell their teams, including family and passion-driven decisions
• The typical costs and current market values for junior hockey teams
• The role of ownership passion versus financial motives in team transactions
• How teams continue to increase in value due to demand, not profitability
• The process and discretion behind buying and selling teams
• Advice for prospective buyers: financial considerations and passion as primary drivers
• The broadening scope of sports organizations Cary works with, including non-traditional sports

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Cary Kaplan and his expertise in sports management
01:08 - Cary's journey from playing sports to sports marketing leadership
02:10 - How Cosmos Sports was founded and its role in Canadian sports
02:53 - The landscape of junior hockey and educational pathways for players
03:48 - The importance of education alongside sports ambitions
04:33 - The spectrum of junior hockey levels and leagues in Canada and the US
05:57 - Key services provided to hockey teams (fan experience, sponsorship, ownership transitions)
07:06 - Valuing sports teams: scarcity and passion outweigh profitability
07:53 - Ownership turnover and passion-driven reasons for selling teams
09:39 - The current market value range for junior hockey teams
10:47 - How to buy a team: discreet process and the role of brokers like Cosmos Sports
13:02 - Diversity of sports organizations Cary works with, from hockey to archery
14:39 - Financing and the importance of having sufficient funds before buying
15:22 - The misconception of teams as profit centers; passion and community are key
16:36 - The impact of demand on team valuation and future prospects
17:47 - The appeal of owning junior teams rooted in passion, community, and love for the sport
19:10 - Final advice for those interested in entering sports ownership