Blackhawks Losing Money In Winning Season: Report

Turns out the Blackhawks are losing even when they win.

The Chicago team spends between $10 million and $20 million more than they make each year, according to a report from Crain's Chicago Business, and it could take another two years before the team turns a profit.

Owner Rocky Wirtz told the publication the Hawks should be profitable by the 2015-16 season and points to this winning year as a big step to getting there. Playoff games so far this season have generated about $15 million.

Crain's points out that higher ticket revenues and sponsorships helped the Hawks recover from the shorter season after a frustrating lockout but they didn't completely make up for the missed revenue.

That said, the team manages to stay above water thanks to owners' other family businesses.

Where is all the spending coming from? Crain's points to $68 million in player salaries and nearly $20 million on staff and coaches.

The team announced before the playoffs that season ticket prices would be raised by an average of 16 percent, to an average ticket price of $70.

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