Buffalo Sabres Rank #62 on ESPN Franchise List

Each year, ESPN The Magazine ranks all NHL, NFL, NBA and MLB franchises based on a number of combined factors. This year, the Buffalo Sabres ranked 62nd overall on the list, which is comprised of 122 teams in the four leagues. The Sabres moved up 13 spots in the franchise rankings, from 75th last season.

The overall ranking breaks down into multiple components, from affordability to ownership, stadium experience and fan relations. Each factor is weighted in part based on fan vote.

The best category for the Buffalo Sabres was affordability; they ranked 16th out of 122 teams. The Toronto Maple Leafs ranked dead last overall in the ESPN list and were the worst team in affordability.

To further extrapolate that: affordability encompasses ticket prices, parking and concessions. The average cost for a Leafs game: $139.

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On the other hand, the Buffalo Sabres’ average ticket price ($49.72) is nearly $13 cheaper than the league average.

The Sabres also ranked 35th overall in ownership, which is…. really no big surprise. ESPN takes into consideration “honesty” and “loyalty to core players and the local community” for this factor.

Ever since Terry & Kim Pegula took over this franchise, things have changed, not just for the organization, but for the city on a wider level. They’ve made big moves in the community, a big representation of which is visible right in front of First Niagara Center: HARBORCENTER. Not only has it brought many new jobs to the area, it’s also brought an innovative new hotel, two-rink complex, a franchise restaurant & Tim Hortons, plus many big-name events that have further helped the community by bringing in lots of people to the area.

(In case you’re wondering, the Buffalo Bills ranked 32rd in ownership.)

Next-best for the Buffalo Sabres was stadium experience, ranked 39th overall. This takes into consideration: “quality of arena, fan-friendliness of environment and frequency of game-day promotions.”

First Niagara Center is a pretty decent rink, though obviously not the newest or most modern one out there. One low point for this one, however, has to be game-day promotions. Aside from the occasional magnet schedule giveaway at the beginning of the season, and *maybe* a rally towel promotion near the end of the year, the Sabres haven’t been big on game-day promotions.

For comparison’s sake, the Pittsburgh Penguins ranked 15th overall in stadium experience. Of course they’ve got a pretty much brand-new arena, but they also do great with game-day promotions. Just look at the promotional schedule on their website, which lists AHEAD OF TIME all the promos/giveaways for the season – from bobbleheads to hats, workout bands to shirts and more.

The Buffalo Sabres also ranked 54th overall in fan relations: “courtesy by players, coaches and front office toward fans, plus how well a team uses technology to reach fans.”

This was a huge factor, encompassing 25% of the overall rating — and though the Sabres could’ve done worse, there’s also some room for improvement there. They were ranked 43rd last year, so it’s certainly a factor they should be working on. After all – if fans aren’t in those seats, paying for tickets, merchandise, concessions, etc., you’re not going to have much success elsewhere for very long.

The team also ranked 65th in coaching (strength of on-bench leadership), which isn’t really too surprising considering the team hasn’t had a consistent coach the past few years. Can Dan Bylsma help turn things around? Can he last more than a season or two in Buffalo? (This is an eight-spot drop from last season.)

The Sabres ranked 81st in “title track,” a category that utilizes the number of championships won or expected within the lifetime of current fans. Again – could’ve been worse, could’ve been better. The good news is, as many people can tell based on the additions of guys like Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart, Evander Kane, etc. – the Sabres are on their way up. The fact that they moved up 15 spots in this category reflects that, too.

That’s also reflected in the fact that the Buffalo Sabres moved up 19 spots in the “players” category: effort on the field and likability off it. That’s a pretty significant jump, and largely thanks to GM Tim Murray for all the new additions he swooped in and caught over the past few months.

Finally, there’s the “bang for your buck” category: wins in the past two years per fan dollar, adjusted for league schedules. With the dreadful year the Sabres had last season, there’s no big surprise that they landed 108th in this spot (and 104th the year prior). But hey, it can only go up from here, right? ………. right?

In the end, ESPN’s rankings may not mean a whole lot, but it’s interesting to note where it seems the team is improving (players, title track, affordability) and where they maybe aren’t doing so well (fan relations, bang for your buck).

What would you like to see the Buffalo Sabres improve on?

Next: Will Eichel Win Calder?

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