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Danny Wirtz could sell the Chicago Blackhawks organization? A report confirms that the right time would be now

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Joshua Deeds
October 30, 2024 (3:48 PM)

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The new hockey season brings us, news of valuations for NHL franchises, and all 32 of them have had their latest figures released.

The Blackhawks were partially owned by James Norris, and Arthur Wirtz in 1950, but eventually, the Wirtz name would be synonymous with the team by 1966. Wirtz had taken full control of the Blackhawks by then.

The Wirtz family became famous for owning the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks but got rich running a $2.5 billion wine and liquor distributor. Arthur Wirtz started a realty company in 1926 and founded Wirtz Beverage in 1945. He bought the Chicago Blackhawks in 1954. His son Bill was hated in Chicago for running the team on a tight budget -- he earned the nickname "Dollar Bill." When he died in 2007, his son Rocky took control of the team and has led the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup victories in the last six seasons.

Fast forward to 2007 and Rocky Wirtz would take control of the team and help lead the team into the dynasty of Jonathan Toews, Brent Seabrook, and Patrick Kane's dominance.

The Blackhawks have been beneficiaries of the new investment into the league, which a lot of new money in the league is from surprise, private equity.

The #Blackhawks are the 6th-most valued NHL team at $2.45B, up 33% from last year

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The Blackhawks are an original-six franchise 6th among the most valuable NHL franchises.

At $2.45 Billion, they are behind The Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Should Danny Wirtz ever get the itch to sell, you know the Wirtz family will more than make a tidy profit after how long they've been a part of the franchise.

Arthur Wirtz purchased the Chicago Blackhawks in 1954. The Blackhawks are owned by the Wirtz Corporation, a Chicago-based holding company that also owns real estate, liquor distribution, banking, and insurance interests.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Trade completed Between Utah and Detroit Shares Blackhawks Connections

Disastrous CHSN network preparing to roll out expensive app to Chicago area for Blackhawks fans

Insider reveals Joel Quenneville could join Patrick Kane in Detroit

POLL
OCTOBRE 30 \| 157 ANSWERS Danny Wirtz could sell the Chicago Blackhawks organization? A report confirms that the right time would be now Do you think the Blackhawks as an original-six franchise should be worth more?
Yes	126	80.3 %
No	31	19.7 %
List of polls

Danny Wirtz could sell the Chicago Blackhawks organization? A report confirms that the right time would be now

The new hockey season brings us, news of valuations for NHL franchises, and all 32 of them have had their latest figures released.

Do you think the Blackhawks as an original-six franchise should be worth more?