Wayne Gretzky: The Great One's Life, Career, And Legacy

How Much Is Wayne Gretzky Worth?

Alright, let's dive into this. Wayne Gretzky, affectionately known as "The Great One," is a retired professional hockey player and entrepreneur with a staggering net worth of $250 million. When you think about sports legends, names like Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, and Kelly Slater come to mind. These are the individuals who redefine what's possible in their respective fields. Wayne Gretzky is that kind of icon for hockey. He’s not just someone who played the game; he transformed it. Born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Gretzky started skating at the ripe old age of three and was already outplaying ten-year-olds when he was just six. Imagine that—dominating on the ice before most kids even know how to lace up their skates.

Wayne Gretzky’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. As his skills grew, so did the jealousy from other players and parents. This tension eventually led to his family relocating so he could continue developing his talent. His professional career took off when he joined the World Hockey Association in 1978 and later transitioned to the NHL. Over two decades, he broke records left and right, earning accolades like the Hart Trophy (MVP) nine times and scoring over 200 points in a single season—not once, but four times! His legacy extends far beyond his playing days, too. After retiring, he’s been a coach, an executive director, and a savvy entrepreneur, building an impressive business empire.

Career Earnings

During his time in the NHL, Wayne Gretzky earned a salary totaling $46 million, but that’s only part of the story. He raked in an additional $50 million from endorsement deals while still active in the league. When adjusted for inflation, his total career earnings add up to around $150 million. Now, here’s the kicker—he didn’t stop there. Gretzky has been incredibly smart with his investments, expanding his wealth through ventures like sports team ownership, real estate, and even a vineyard. His financial acumen has allowed him to build a lasting legacy that continues to grow long after he hung up his skates.

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Early Life and Hockey Beginnings

Wayne Douglas Gretzky was born on January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. Growing up, he wasn’t just another kid on the block. His father, Walter, played a pivotal role in shaping his early years by teaching him and his siblings how to skate on a homemade rink in their backyard. From the moment Wayne strapped on his skates, it was clear he was destined for greatness. By the age of six, he was already holding his own against players four years older than him.

But with great talent often comes great scrutiny. Wayne faced his fair share of boos and jeers from envious parents and competitors. To give him a better chance to thrive, his parents made the tough decision to move him to Toronto, where he could play without the hostility of his hometown. This move paid off when Wayne challenged the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association’s rules, allowing him to compete in the Metro Junior B Hockey League. By the time he was 16, he was drafted by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League. It was the start of a journey that would take him all the way to the top of the hockey world.

Professional Hockey Career

At just 17 years old, Wayne Gretzky signed a seven-year, $1.75 million USD contract with the Indianapolis Racers in the World Hockey Association (WHA). Because the NHL didn’t allow players under 20 to sign, the WHA became his entry point into professional hockey. However, his stay with the Racers was brief. He was quickly traded to the Edmonton Oilers, where his career truly took off. When the WHA folded in 1979, the Oilers joined the NHL, and Gretzky became a cornerstone of the franchise.

From day one, Wayne’s impact was undeniable. In his very first NHL season, he won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s Most Valuable Player. Over the next two decades, he shattered records and set new benchmarks for excellence. He became the first—and only—player in NHL history to score over 200 points in a single season, achieving this feat four times. His achievements include nine Hart Trophies, ten Art Ross Trophies, and two Conn Smythe Trophies, among countless others. By the time he retired in 1999, he held an astonishing 61 records. To honor his contributions, the NHL retired his iconic #99 jersey league-wide, making him the sole recipient of this distinction at the time.

Post-Retirement Engagements

After hanging up his skates, Wayne Gretzky didn’t slow down. Instead, he shifted gears into management and leadership roles. One of his first big moves was becoming the executive director of the Canadian National Men’s Hockey Team for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Under his guidance, the team clinched the gold medal, cementing his reputation as a leader both on and off the ice. He also became a part-owner of the Phoenix Coyotes in 2000, owning a 10% stake alongside majority owner Steven Ellman. Later, he served as the team’s head coach from 2005 to 2009.

In 2016, Gretzky returned to his roots, joining the Oilers Entertainment Group as vice-chairman and partner. This move allowed him to stay connected to the sport he loves while contributing to the growth of the franchise. Whether it’s mentoring young players or strategizing for the future, Wayne continues to leave his mark on the hockey world.

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Business Ventures and Endorsements

Beyond hockey, Wayne Gretzky has built a thriving business empire. In 1985, he purchased the Hull Olympiques team of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for $175,000 CAD, eventually selling it for $550,000 CAD in 1992. He also ventured into the Canadian Football League, owning a minority stake in the Toronto Argonauts alongside John Candy and Bruce McNall. Together, they sold the team in 1994, marking another successful investment.

Gretzky’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to other ventures, including sports equipment manufacturing through First Team Sports and roller hockey rinks via Worldwide Roller Hockey, Inc. His endorsement deals have been equally lucrative, partnering with global brands like Coca-Cola, Domino’s Pizza, Sharp Corporation, and Upper Deck Company. By 1995, he was ranked among the top five highest-paid athlete endorsers in North America.

More recently, Wayne has expanded into wine and spirits, launching Wayne Gretzky Estates in partnership with Andrew Peller Ltd. in 2017. Located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, the winery and distillery have become a favorite destination for fans and wine enthusiasts alike. He’s also opened restaurants, including No. 99 Gretzky’s Wine & Whiskey at Edmonton International Airport and Studio 99 at Rogers Place in Edmonton. In 2023, he even entered the wellness market with Wayne Gretzky CBD Gummies, showcasing his versatility as a businessman.

Personal Life

Off the ice, Wayne Gretzky leads a fulfilling personal life. He met his wife, actress Janet Jones, while serving as a judge on the television show “Dance Fever.” The couple began dating in 1987, and Wayne proposed just a year later. Their lavish wedding, which reportedly cost over $1 million USD, was dubbed “The Royal Wedding” by the Canadian press. Together, they have five children: three sons and two daughters. Their daughter Paulina Gretzky, a singer and model, married professional golfer Dustin Johnson in 2022, adding another layer to the family’s star-studded life.

Real Estate

Wayne Gretzky’s real estate portfolio reflects his success and taste for luxury. When he joined the Los Angeles Kings in the late 1980s, he purchased a sprawling estate in the exclusive Beverly Hills gated community of Beverly Park. He eventually sold the property to billionaire Eric Smidt, who later combined it with a neighboring lot and flipped the estate for $40 million in 2014.

In 2007, Wayne and Janet custom-built a magnificent mansion in Thousand Oaks, California, within the prestigious Sherwood Country Club community. Designed by renowned architect Richard Landry, the 10,815-square-foot home features two guest houses, hardwood floors, an open floor plan, and state-of-the-art amenities like a home theater, wood-burning pizza oven, and a sunken tennis court. Despite selling the house in 2014 for $18.5 million, they reacquired it in 2018 for $13.5 million after the previous owner, former baseball player Lenny Dykstra, lost it in foreclosure.

In October 2020, the Gretzkys listed the property for $22.9 million, aiming to capitalize on the rebounding real estate market. Meanwhile, in 2022, they purchased a North Palm Beach home in South Florida from their soon-to-be son-in-law, Dustin Johnson, for $4.5 million. Whether it’s Beverly Hills or Florida, Wayne Gretzky’s real estate choices reflect his status as one of the most successful athletes of all time.