What would the transfer fee be for some of America’s biggest sports stars?
By David Rouben
10. Sidney Crosby
Just because Sidney Crosby’s 10th on this list doesn’t mean he’s less valuable than the rest of these athletes. However, his transfer fee would be the lowest because the NHL is significantly behind the other three leagues as far as revenue is concerned.
They make $3 million less than the NBA, as well as triple and quadruple less than what the MLB and NFL earn, respectively. The average team revenue in the NHL is also roughly $129 million. Crosby’s the only foreign star on this list, but he’s still the biggest name in the NHL and plays in an American market.
If any team is looking to acquire Crosby, they’ll have to pay top dollar for his services. He’s coming off of back-to-back Stanley Cups and Conn Smythes. At the age of 29, he still has another 10 years left in him at least. And even though he’s suffered some major head injuries in the past, he’s still managed to play some of his best hockey at this stage of his career.
With the influx of young talent coming into the league, Crosby might not be considered the best player for long. But any team that wants to win the Cup needs a top-line center first and foremost. And while he doesn’t have the same career longevity of Connor McDavid, he’s still in his prime and can make any team better.
Not only can Crosby be counted on to put up a point per game, he’s got great defensive awareness and is almost impossible to take off the puck. And as somebody who’s won too many trophies to count, he brings much-needed leadership qualities to any locker room.
Potential transfer fee: $102 million