Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky, widely known as "The Great One", stands as one of the most legendary figures in sports history. The Canadian ice hockey icon transformed the game during his illustrious 20-year NHL career, establishing himself alongside sports titans like Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth, and Kelly Slater as athletes who completely revolutionized their respective disciplines. Beyond his unparalleled 61 NHL records - including most career goals (894) and points (2,857), Gretzky built his impressive fortune through shrewd business ventures, lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Nike and Coca-Cola, and strategic real estate investments.

His rivalry with players like Mario Lemieux and Mark Messier only heightened his legendary status. While his philanthropic efforts through the Wayne Gretzky Foundation have raised over $1 million to help underprivileged youth experience the sport that defined his life. Recently, Gretzky graciously witnessed Alex Ovechkin break his long-standing goals record, demonstrating the same sportsmanship that Gordie Howe once showed him, continuing a treasured hockey tradition of respect between generations of greatness.

What is Wayne Gretzky's Net Worth?

As of April 2025, Wayne Gretzky's net worth is estimated to be $250 million.

"The Great One" built his fortune through 20 impressive years in the National Hockey League (NHL). His NHL career earnings progressed dramatically from his first season salary of $128,100 in 1979-80 to hitting a major milestone of $2 million after joining the LA Kings in 1988. By the 1997-98 season, he was earning $6.5 million.

During his playing career, he earned approximately $46 million in salary alone, which would be around $109 million in today's dollars after adjusting for inflation. His paychecks peaked at $6.5 million per year when he played for the New York Rangers in the late 1990s.

Before joining the NHL, the 17-year-old Gretzky signed a $1.75 million seven-year contract with the Indianapolis Racers in the World Hockey Association in 1978.

In 2021, Gretzky was pursued by both ESPN and Turner Sports for a broadcasting role after the NHL's new national broadcast rights were split between them. Turner Sports ultimately secured Gretzky as a studio analyst covering NHL games during the regular season and playoffs, reportedly for around $5 million annually.

Endorsements significantly boosted Gretzky's bank account. During his playing days alone, he earned an estimated $50 million from brand partnerships, bringing his total career earnings to around $150 million in today's dollars.

Major companies like Nike, Coca-Cola, McDonald's, and Upper Deck all wanted "The Great One" representing their products. His Coca-Cola deal was particularly lucrative, reportedly bringing in over $20 million.

Gretzky's business ventures extend beyond endorsements. In 1985, he purchased the Hull Olympiques hockey team for $126,000 and sold it seven years later in 1992 for $456,500, tripling his investment.

Smart real estate investments have further boosted his wealth. Gretzky made $18.5 million from selling his California mansion in 2014 and potentially earned a profit again by relisting it for $22.9 million in 2020.

His diverse income streams also include restaurants and valuable collectibles. He once purchased a rare Honus Wagner baseball card for $451,000 and later sold it for a significant profit. His wedding, dubbed "The Royal Wedding" by Canadian press, reportedly cost over $1 million.

What Businesses Does Wayne Gretzky Own?

Wayne Gretzky Estates has become a significant player in Canada's beverage industry, featuring a 23,000-square-foot facility that combines wine, distilling, and brewing production.

The hockey legend has built an impressive business empire spanning six major ventures that generate millions in annual revenue, proving his skills extend far beyond the ice.

• Gretzky Estates Winery and Distillery: Wayne Gretzky's most successful business venture is his winery and distillery operation. Launched in 2017, this business features two stunning locations across Canada. The flagship property in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario houses a massive 23,000-square-foot facility with tasting rooms, a barrel-aging cellar, and even a seasonal skating rink. The second location operates in the Okanagan region within Sandhill Winery. This venture has become the cornerstone of Gretzky's business portfolio and maintains a valuable partnership as the official wine, beer, and spirits sponsor of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.
• Wayne Gretzky's Restaurant: Gretzky's restaurant in Toronto operated for nearly three decades as a downtown landmark and popular sports bar before closing in 2020. The property sold for $69.6 million. The restaurant hosted many significant events, including Gretzky's own retirement party in 1999. He continues to maintain a restaurant presence in Edmonton as part of his broader business portfolio.
• Greatness Wins Sportswear: In 2022, Gretzky teamed up with baseball star Derek Jeter and ballet dancer Misty Copeland to create Greatness Wins, a premium sportswear brand. This venture positions itself as athletic wear "made by athletes, for athletes". Gretzky leads the golf division, while Jeter handles business operations with UNTUCKit founder Chris Riccobono, and Copeland directs the women's line. Initial products included men's and golf attire like shorts, T-shirts, polos, and pullovers.
• eBay NFT Collection: Gretzky made a splash in the digital collectibles world in 2024 as the featured athlete in eBay's first-ever NFT collection. This groundbreaking collaboration includes 13 3D animated collectibles showcasing his iconic hockey moves. The digital items were offered in four tiers - Green, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond - with prices ranging from $10 to $1,500. Available through OneOf, a web3 marketplace on eBay, this partnership marked eBay's major entry into the NFT space.
• Sports Team Investments: Throughout his post-playing career, Gretzky has invested in various sports franchises. His portfolio has included stakes in teams like the Phoenix Coyotes (where he served as both part-owner and later head coach), Hull Olympiques, and Toronto Argonauts. He also partnered with First Team Sports, a sports equipment manufacturer, further expanding his presence in the sporting goods industry.
• OxeFit: In a more recent venture, Gretzky invested in OxeFit, a fitness technology company, during their Series A – III funding round in July 2022. This investment shows his continued interest in sports-related technology and innovation.

What Are Wayne Gretzky's Notable Endorsements?

Gretzky's 1988 trade to the Los Angeles Kings transformed him from a hockey star to a marketing powerhouse, attracting five major US advertising agencies within just 24 hours of the announcement.

By age 20, Wayne Gretzky had already secured nine endorsement deals, and within a year was earning over $1 million annually from off-ice ventures. Throughout his career, the hockey legend accumulated approximately $50 million from endorsements alone.

• Titan Hockey Sticks: One of Gretzky's first major endorsements came early in his career with Titan hockey sticks. The initial deal was modest by today's standards, valued at $3,000 annually in the early 1980s.
• ProStars Cereal: In 1984, General Mills launched this star-shaped cereal specifically for Gretzky, featuring his image prominently on boxes throughout Canada. It was marketed as a healthier breakfast option and was the first pre-sweetened cereal to use aspartame (Nutrasweet) as a sweetener.
• Canadian Tire: Partnered with Gretzky for their 'Wanna Play?' campaign, where he surprised contest winners with personal invitations to play hockey.
• Nike: Gretzky broke ground as one of the first hockey players to sign a major Nike deal. During his Los Angeles Kings period, he secured a four-year contract worth $600,000 per year. This partnership helped Nike establish credibility in hockey while expanding Gretzky's brand beyond the rink.
• Coca-Cola: The Great One partnered with Coca-Cola in the late 1980s, earning an impressive $1 million yearly during the height of his playing career.
• 7-Up and Pepsi: Demonstrating his exceptional marketability, Gretzky endorsed 7-Up and later appeared in Pepsi commercials as part of their famous "Pepsi Challenge" campaign.
• McDonald's and Domino's: Gretzky's appeal extended to fast food, with memorable McDonald's commercials in the 1990s that made him recognizable to mainstream American audiences. He also endorsed Domino's Pizza, further cementing his presence in household brands.
• Campbell's Soup: In October 1996, became the first person ever to appear on a Campbell's Soup label for their Chunky Soup brand. The label featured Gretzky in his New York Rangers uniform with his signature and jersey number 99. Campbell pledged to donate 1,000 cases of soup for every point he scored during the 1996-97 season to the Second Harvest Food Bank Network.
• Ford: Served as spokesman for Ford Motor Co. of Canada Ltd. in a multimillion-dollar campaign that launched on Hockey Night in Canada, including national TV, print, and regional radio advertising.
• Budweiser: Featured in hockey-related campaigns focused on celebrating goals, including limited-edition "Gold-Synced Lights" bearing his signature and number that synchronized with team scores. The partnership extended to events like the World Pond Hockey Championships.
• Rolex and Tiffany & Co: Unlike many athletes who stuck to sports-related endorsements, Gretzky elevated his portfolio by securing deals with prestigious luxury brands, including Rolex watches and Tiffany & Co jewelry.
• Sharp Electronics: A Significant endorsement deal that encompassed his image and in advertising campaigns and promotional materials. Sharp cleverly played on his "Great One" persona in their commercials.
• Zurich Insurance: Added financial services to his diverse endorsement portfolio, further enhancing his global recognition.
• Upper Deck: Partnership began in 1989 before Upper Deck even had an NHL license. When they decided to enter the hockey card market, Gretzky's endorsement helped them gain a competitive edge. Upper Deck has maintained a strong relationship with Gretzky, including a recent long-term, exclusive deal that ensures autographed cards and memorabilia are available exclusively through them. This includes unique items like a large-format "The Show" piece with a 2-foot autograph.
• Atari Video Games: His image and likeness appeared in numerous video games, including the popular "Wayne Gretzky Hockey" series co-developed by Bethesda (later famous for RPGs like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls). This game became a popular franchise, generating millions in revenue.
• BetMGM: In 2021, Gretzky made a significant move into the emerging sports betting market by signing a multi-year deal with BetMGM. As their brand ambassador, he appears in advertising campaigns throughout North America, bringing considerable credibility to the industry as "The Great One" of hockey.

Wayne Gretzky's Assets And Lifestyle

Wayne Gretzky's Houses

The Canadian-American owns at least 6 residential properties across the U.S. and Canada, along with his commercial Wayne Gretzky Estates winery. Here are the notable properties in his collection:

• Thousand Oaks Estate (Most Significant Property): This magnificent 13,000-square-foot Colonial Revival-style estate sits on 6.5 acres overlooking the Sherwood Country Club in California. The house was designed by renowned architect Richard Landry. What makes this property fascinating is Gretzky's unusual history with it, which was built by the Gretzkys in 2002, sold to former MLB player Lenny Dykstra in 2007 for $18.5 million, lost in Dykstra's bankruptcy and sold at auction for $760,712 (with $12 million debt), repurchased by the Gretzkys in 2018 for $13.5 million, and renovated extensively and sold again in 2021 for $17.6 million, netting a healthy profit.
• Palm Beach Waterfront Home: In March 2022, the Gretzkys moved to Florida to be closer to their grandchildren, purchasing a waterfront property for $4.5 million. This 7,169-square-foot residence features 5 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, and was purchased from their golfer son-in-law, Dustin Johnson, who is married to their daughter, Paulina.
  Townhouse in Palm Beach Gardens: Before settling on their Palm Beach waterfront home, the Gretzkys purchased a townhouse in Palm Beach Gardens for $1.58 million in October 2021 as they transitioned to Florida living.
• Westlake Village Home: This California property was sold in 2015 for $8,195,000, though it was initially listed at $10.5 million two years earlier.
• St. Louis Residence: In 2021, Wayne and Janet moved back to St. Louis to be closer to Janet's mother, who was 100 years old at the time. The couple had previously purchased a home in Frontenac (a St. Louis suburb) in 2012. This marks Gretzky's second time living in St. Louis, after briefly playing for the St. Louis Blues during the 1995-96 NHL season.
• The Brantford Home: Gretzky has maintained a connection to his roots through property in Brantford, Ontario, where he lived with his late father, Walter. This family home is considered something of a national shrine in Canada due to its connection with Wayne's father.
• Scottsdale, Arizona Home: Gretzky owned a custom-built Santa Barbara-style home in the exclusive Arcadia development of Scottsdale, which he purchased in 2003 for approximately $2 million when he was the Managing Partner of the Phoenix Coyotes. He sold this property for $2.875 million.
• McCall, Idaho Lakeside Estate: This impressive Georgian-style compound spans 7 acres and includes four buildings: a main residence and two guest houses, with a total of 7 bedrooms and 7½ bathrooms across 16,400 square feet. 
• Wayne Gretzky Estates: While not a residential property, Gretzky owns a winery and distillery in Ontario, Canada. This successful commercial venture operates in partnership with Andrew Peller Limited and has contributed to increased sales and earnings for the hockey legend.

Wayne Gretzky's Cars

Wayne Gretzky's passion for exceptional automobiles mirrors his excellence on the ice. He has an impressive car collection worth well over $1 million, highlighted by rare vehicles. Here's a look at the most noteworthy vehicles in his collection:

• 1993 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible: In 1994, Los Angeles Kings owner Bruce McNall gifted Gretzky a 1993 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible to celebrate his record-breaking 802nd NHL goal. One of only 200 ever produced, this black-and-silver convertible became a rolling trophy, rarely driven and meticulously preserved. Decades later, it resurfaced in 2024 with a staggering $1,000,000 auction listing, cementing its status as a symbol of Gretzky’s legacy. Its timeless design and historical ties to hockey’s greatest milestone make it the crown jewel of his former collection.
• 2006 Ford GT Heritage Editions: Gretzky’s love for speed and exclusivity shone brightest with his ownership of two Gulf-liveried 2006 Ford GT Heritage Editions. The first, a Canadian-market example, bore his iconic #99 and signature on the hood, with just 94 miles on the odometer. Despite a $600,000 bid in 2023, it failed to sell. The second, a U.S.-owned GT, fetched $511,000 at a 2023 RM Sotheby’s auction with only 880 miles. Both cars honored Ford’s Le Mans victories, blending racing heritage with Gretzky’s personal flair.
• 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet: Gretzky’s 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet combined European engineering with personal touches. Finished in Linen Grey Metallic, it featured RUF wheels, heated sport seats, and a sun visor autographed by Gretzky himself. It traded hands multiple times, appearing at a 2008 Barrett-Jackson auction and later on eBay in 2015 for $109,950. 
• 2005 Bentley Continental GT: For understated opulence, Gretzky turned to a 2005 Bentley Continental GT. Customized with a matte black wrap, 22-inch wheels, and $60,000 in upgrades by Arizona’s Dirty Bird Concepts, it blended brute power with refined aesthetics. Sold after 2020 with 39,000 miles, this Bentley exemplified Gretzky’s ability to balance luxury and individuality - a theme echoed in his career.

Beyond confirmed classics, rumors tie Gretzky to even rarer machines. A 2001 Ferrari F50, a 2006 Dodge Viper, and a 2000 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon are often speculated to have graced his garage, while never been publicly verified. You can take a detailed look at Wayne Gretzky's Car Collection.

What's Next For Wayne Gretzky?

On the career front, Gretzky remains a fixture in hockey broadcasting as a studio analyst for NHL on TNT. Since joining the network in 2021, he's become an essential voice in their hockey coverage, working alongside Rick Tocchet, Anson Carter, Paul Bissonnette, and host Liam McHugh. Beyond broadcasting, Gretzky has expressed interest in expanding his role in hockey development programs, particularly focusing on youth initiatives. He's reportedly exploring opportunities to establish a hockey academy that combines athletic training with educational opportunities. The hockey legend is also looking to grow his winery business in Ontario, with plans to introduce new vintages and potentially expand distribution throughout North America in the coming year.