<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF FLORIDA PANTHERS HOLDINGS FOR THE SIX MONTHS PERIOD 
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                          33,076
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   36,242
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                      6,990
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                74,050
<PP&E>                                         603,451
<DEPRECIATION>                                   9,770
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 735,333
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           73,784
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           352
<OTHER-SE>                                     415,220
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   735,333
<SALES>                                        109,529
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               110,847
<CGS>                                           65,045
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   65,045
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                49,279
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               6,663
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (10,996)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (10,996)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (10,996)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (0.33)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (0.33)