Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player in history, has built an extraordinary legacy both on and off the ice. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at $250 million, accumulated through his NHL career, endorsement deals, business ventures, and real estate investments.
Early Life and Hockey Beginnings
Born on January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Wayne Douglas Gretzky grew up in a hockey-loving family. His father, Walter Gretzky, built a backyard rink where young Wayne spent countless hours honing his skills. By the age of six, he was playing with 10-year-olds, and by 16, he had moved to Toronto to further his hockey career. Despite facing resentment from opponents and parents, Gretzky continued to dominate youth hockey leagues, setting the stage for his future greatness.
Professional Hockey Career
Early Years and WHA Debut
At just 17 years old, Gretzky signed a $1.75 million contract with the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association (WHA) in 1978. Shortly after, he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, a move that proved to be pivotal in his career. When the WHA folded in 1979, the Oilers joined the NHL, and Gretzky became the league’s next superstar.
Edmonton Oilers Dynasty (1979-1988)
During his time with the Oilers, Gretzky rewrote the record books. He won four Stanley Cups (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988) and became the only NHL player to score over 200 points in a single season—an achievement he repeated four times.
He also collected numerous individual accolades, including:
- 9 Hart Trophies (Most Valuable Player)
- 10 Art Ross Trophies (Most Points in a Season)
- 5 Lester B. Pearson Awards (Most Outstanding Player)
- 2 Conn Smythe Trophies (Playoff MVP)
The Blockbuster Trade: Los Angeles Kings (1988-1996)
In 1988, Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in a shocking deal that transformed the NHL’s landscape. He helped popularize hockey in Southern California, inspiring a new generation of fans. He led the Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final and continued to break records, including surpassing Gordie Howe’s all-time points record.
Later Years: St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers (1996-1999)
After a brief stint with the St. Louis Blues in 1996, Gretzky signed a $8 million contract with the New York Rangers. He played his final three seasons in New York, officially retiring in 1999. Upon retirement, Gretzky held 61 NHL records, a testament to his dominance.
Hall of Fame and Jersey Retirement
Gretzky was immediately inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999, bypassing the standard three-year waiting period. His legendary #99 jersey was retired league-wide, an honor no other NHL player has received.
Career Earnings and Business Ventures
NHL Salary and Endorsements
During his playing days, Gretzky earned $46 million in NHL salary and another $50 million from endorsements. Adjusted for inflation, this equates to nearly $150 million in total career earnings.
His endorsement portfolio included Coca-Cola, Domino’s Pizza, Sharp Corporation, and Upper Deck Company, making him one of the highest-paid athlete endorsers in North America by the mid-1990s.
Ownership of Sports Teams
Gretzky wisely reinvested his earnings into sports franchise ownership:
- Hull Olympiques (1985-1992) – Purchased for $175,000 CAD, sold for $550,000 CAD.
- Toronto Argonauts (1991-1994) – Co-owned with Bruce McNall and John Candy.
- Phoenix Coyotes (2000-2009) – Bought a 10% stake and later served as head coach.
Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery
In 2017, Gretzky partnered with Andrew Peller Ltd. to launch Wayne Gretzky Estates, a winery and distillery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The brand has become a major success in the luxury wine and whiskey markets.
Restaurant Ventures
Gretzky expanded into hospitality with multiple restaurants:
- No. 99 Gretzky’s Wine & Whiskey (2016) – Edmonton International Airport.
- Studio 99 (2018) – Rogers Place, Edmonton.
Real Estate Investments
Gretzky has owned and flipped multiple luxury properties:
- Beverly Hills Mansion – Purchased in the 1980s, later sold for $40 million.
- Thousand Oaks, CA Estate – Custom-built home sold in 2014 for $18.5 million, repurchased in 2018 for $13.5 million, and relisted in 2020 for $22.9 million.
Personal Life and Family
Gretzky met actress Janet Jones while serving as a judge on the TV show “Dance Fever.” The couple married in 1988, in what was dubbed “Canada’s Royal Wedding.” They have five children, including:
- Trevor Gretzky – Former minor league baseball player.
- Paulina Gretzky – Singer and model, married to professional golfer Dustin Johnson.
Paulina and Dustin Johnson tied the knot in April 2022, and the couple has two children.
Legacy and Influence
Wayne Gretzky’s impact on hockey and sports business is unmatched. His records may never be broken, and his off-ice ventures continue to thrive. With a $250 million net worth, he remains a global icon, proving that his legacy extends far beyond the ice rink.