Wayne Gretzky, known universally as “The Great One,” has an estimated net worth of $250 million as of 2025.
In the ever-debated realm of “greatest athletes,” few names stand uncontested—but Gretzky is one of them. Just as Babe Ruth transformed baseball and Michael Jordan revolutionized basketball, Gretzky forever changed the face of hockey.
He dominated the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1979 to 1999, shattering records, redefining the sport, and leaving behind a legacy that remains untouchable.
Over his illustrious 20-season career, Gretzky broke scoring records, elevated franchises, and became the face of hockey worldwide.
He still holds the all-time NHL records for assists (1,963) and points (2,857). While his 894-goal record stood for decades, Alexander Ovechkin finally surpassed it in April 2025.
Building Wealth Beyond The Game
During his two decades in the NHL, Gretzky earned approximately $46 million in salary and an additional $50+ million from endorsements. Though these figures may appear modest by today’s standards, they reflected his era, when salaries were significantly lower.
In 1978, he signed his first professional deal with the WHA’s Indianapolis Racers—a 10-year personal services contract worth $1.75 million.
After moving to the Edmonton Oilers, Gretzky secured an eight-year deal worth $3 million annually, cementing his place as one of hockey’s top earners.
His blockbuster 1988 trade to the Los Angeles Kings included a lucrative $15 million contract plus a $2.5 million cash payout to Oilers owner Peter Pocklington.
Endorsements with global brands such as Nike, Coca-Cola, Domino’s Pizza, and Upper Deck significantly expanded his wealth.
Even after retirement, his income continued through business ventures, team ownership, wineries, branded products, and ambassadorial roles.
Early Years And Introduction To Hockey
Wayne Douglas Gretzky was born on January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario, as the eldest of five children to Walter and Phyllis Gretzky.
His father famously built a backyard rink dubbed “Wally Coliseum,” where Wayne spent countless hours developing his stickhandling, skating, and vision.
By the age of six, Gretzky was already playing against children four years older and excelling to such an extent that rival parents often jeered him during games.
His dominance eventually forced the family to move to Toronto, where he played for the Toronto Nationals despite residency disputes—reshaping Canadian youth hockey eligibility rules in the process.
In 1977, at just 16, he was drafted by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League, where he first donned the number 99, a number that would become iconic.
Professional Career Highlights
In 1978, Gretzky turned professional at age 17, joining the Indianapolis Racers before quickly being transferred to the Edmonton Oilers. When the WHA folded in 1979, the Oilers entered the NHL, and Gretzky’s meteoric rise began.
Edmonton Oilers (1979–1988): Gretzky became the first NHL player to surpass 200 points in a single season, a feat he achieved four times. He led the Oilers to four Stanley Cup victories and won the Hart Trophy as league MVP a record nine times (including eight consecutive seasons).
Los Angeles Kings (1988–1996): His trade to Los Angeles shocked the sports world, but it transformed hockey in the U.S., especially in southern markets. He guided the Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final and boosted hockey’s popularity nationwide.
St. Louis Blues & New York Rangers (1996–1999): Gretzky’s career concluded with short stints in St. Louis and New York before retiring in 1999.
At retirement, he held or shared 61 NHL records. His number 99 jersey was retired across the entire league—the only player in NHL history to receive that honor.
Business Ventures And Investments
Beyond his playing career, Gretzky established himself as a savvy businessman and sports executive:
Team Ownership: In 2000, he acquired a stake in the Phoenix Coyotes, later serving as head coach. Earlier, he co-owned the Toronto Argonauts football team with Bruce McNall and John Candy, leading them to a Grey Cup win in 1991.
Memorabilia & Collectibles: Gretzky invested in rare sports memorabilia, including the legendary Honus Wagner T206 baseball card, which became one of the most valuable trading cards in history.
Wayne Gretzky Estates: In 2017, he launched a winery and distillery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, complete with a tasting room, whiskey bar, and visitor center.
Restaurants & Branding: Gretzky opened themed venues such as Studio 99 in Edmonton’s Rogers Place and even ventured into the wellness market with Wayne Gretzky CBD Gummies.
Private Life
In 1987, Gretzky met actress Janet Jones, and they married the following year in what Canadian media called “The Royal Wedding.” The couple has five children. Their daughter Paulina Gretzky, a singer and model, is married to professional golfer Dustin Johnson, with whom she shares two children.
Real Estate Holdings
Wayne and Janet Gretzky have owned several prestigious properties:
Beverly Park, Los Angeles: Purchased during his Kings tenure, later sold to billionaire Eric Smidt.
Thousand Oaks, California: A 10,815-square-foot mansion built in 2007 within the Sherwood Country Club, designed by famed architect Richard Landry. The couple sold the property in 2014 but repurchased it in 2018 for $13.5 million. In 2020, they relisted it for $22.9 million.
North Palm Beach, Florida: In 2022, they bought a $4.5 million property from their son-in-law, Dustin Johnson.
FAQs
How Much Did Wayne Gretzky Earn During His NHL Career?
He earned tens of millions in salary during his professional hockey career.
What Are Wayne Gretzky’s Main Sources Of Wealth Today?
His wealth comes from business ventures, endorsements, real estate, ownership stakes in sports teams, and ventures like his winery and distillery.
Does Wayne Gretzky Still Earn Money From Hockey?
Yes. While he no longer plays, Gretzky remains active in hockey as an ambassador, analyst, and through licensing deals, which continue to generate income.
Why Is Wayne Gretzky Considered A Smart Businessman?
Beyond his on-ice success, Gretzky diversified his earnings into businesses, real estate, and partnerships that have allowed his wealth to keep growing long after his retirement.