Wayne Gretzky, widely known as “The Great One,” is not only the most iconic player in NHL history but also one of the most financially successful athletes the sport has ever produced.
Even decades after retiring from professional hockey, Wayne Gretzky’s net worth continues to attract massive interest from fans, sports analysts, and finance enthusiasts alike.
His dominance on the ice translated into long-term wealth through salaries, endorsements, and smart business ventures that extended far beyond his playing years.
During his legendary NHL career from 1979 to 1999, Gretzky shattered records that many believe will never be broken.
However, his financial success was not built on goals and assists alone.
Strategic endorsement deals, entrepreneurial investments, and a carefully managed personal brand helped him build a lasting fortune that still generates income today.
From his early days with the Edmonton Oilers to his business ventures like Wayne Gretzky Estates, his wealth story mirrors his hockey legacy disciplined, strategic, and ahead of its time.
In this article, we take an in-depth look at Wayne Gretzky’s net worth, exploring how much he is worth today, how he earned his money, and why he remains one of the richest hockey players of all time.
Wayne Gretzky Net Worth in 2026
Wayne Gretzky’s net worth is estimated to be around $250 million as of 2025, making him one of the wealthiest hockey players in history. While exact figures vary depending on the source, most estimates consistently place his wealth in the high nine-figure range, reflecting decades of earnings both on and off the ice. Unlike many modern athletes whose wealth is driven by massive contracts, Gretzky built his fortune through a combination of NHL salary, endorsements, and long-term business ventures.
During his NHL career, Gretzky earned a relatively modest salary by today’s standards, as player contracts in the 1980s and 1990s were far smaller than they are now. However, his value extended far beyond his paychecks. Endorsement deals with major global brands, licensing agreements, and post-retirement business activities significantly boosted his overall net worth. His clean public image and global recognition helped him remain marketable long after he stopped playing professionally.
When adjusted for inflation and combined with his post-career income streams, Wayne Gretzky’s earnings place him in an elite financial category among athletes. His net worth is not just a result of hockey greatness, but of smart financial planning, brand longevity, and diversified income sources.
Wayne Gretzky’s Career Earnings and NHL Salary Breakdown
Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career earnings may seem modest compared to today’s superstar contracts, but they were groundbreaking for his era. Over the course of his 20-season professional career, Gretzky earned an estimated $46 million in NHL salary. At the time, this made him one of the highest-paid players in hockey history and helped redefine player value in the league.
Gretzky’s largest contracts came during his years with the Edmonton Oilers and later with the Los Angeles Kings. His move to Los Angeles in 1988 was particularly significant, not only for expanding the NHL’s popularity in the United States but also for increasing his marketability and earning power. While his annual salary never reached the astronomical levels seen in modern NHL contracts, his presence drove ticket sales, television ratings, and sponsorship revenue wherever he played.
When adjusted for inflation, Gretzky’s career salary would be substantially higher in today’s dollars. More importantly, his NHL income served as a foundation for far greater financial success through endorsements and business ventures. Rather than relying solely on playing contracts, Gretzky leveraged his on-ice dominance into a long-term financial empire that continues to generate wealth years after his retirement.
Wayne Gretzky’s Endorsements and Sponsorship Deals
Endorsements played a major role in building Wayne Gretzky’s net worth, often surpassing his on-ice earnings during his playing career. As the most recognizable face in hockey, Gretzky attracted major global brands eager to associate with his success, professionalism, and clean public image. These partnerships helped transform him from a sports legend into a worldwide commercial icon.
Throughout his career, Gretzky signed endorsement deals with companies such as Nike, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Upper Deck, and Molson. These agreements not only provided lucrative income during his NHL years but also extended well into retirement through licensing and royalty arrangements. His long-term relationship with Upper Deck, in particular, made Gretzky one of the most valuable figures in sports memorabilia history, generating ongoing revenue from trading cards and collectibles.
Unlike many athletes whose endorsement value declines after retirement, Gretzky’s brand has remained strong due to his continued involvement in hockey, media appearances, and ambassador roles. His reputation as a role model and ambassador for the sport has kept him highly marketable across generations of fans. These endorsement and sponsorship deals significantly boosted Wayne Gretzky’s overall wealth and remain a key reason why his net worth continues to grow long after his playing days ended.
Wayne Gretzky’s Business Ventures and Investments
Beyond hockey and endorsements, Wayne Gretzky has built a substantial portion of his net worth through smart business ventures and long term investments. One of his most notable entrepreneurial successes is Wayne Gretzky Estates, a premium brand that includes wine, Canadian whisky, and other spirits. Launched with a focus on quality and legacy, the brand has become a major contributor to his post-retirement income and continues to expand its product offerings.
Gretzky has also ventured into the hospitality industry, most famously with Wayne Gretzky’s Restaurant in Toronto. While the restaurant eventually closed, it remained a landmark destination for years and showcased his ability to turn personal branding into commercial success. Like many entrepreneurs, Gretzky experienced both wins and challenges in business, but his diversified approach helped protect his overall wealth.
In addition to consumer brands, Gretzky has held executive and advisory roles within professional hockey organizations, including involvement with the Phoenix Coyotes. These roles allowed him to stay connected to the sport while generating additional income beyond traditional endorsements. By diversifying into wineries, spirits, hospitality, and sports management, Wayne Gretzky demonstrated the importance of building multiple income streams an approach that has played a key role in sustaining his impressive net worth.
Conclusion
Wayne Gretzky’s net worth is a reflection of far more than his legendary status as the greatest hockey player of all time.
While his on-ice achievements laid the foundation for his wealth, it was his ability to capitalize on opportunities beyond the rink that truly set him apart.
Through a combination of NHL earnings, high-value endorsement deals, and carefully chosen business ventures, Gretzky built a financial legacy that continues to thrive decades after his retirement.
Unlike many athletes whose income peaks during their playing years, Gretzky successfully transitioned into life after hockey.
His long-standing brand partnerships, winery and spirits business, media roles, and ambassador positions have allowed him to maintain relevance and steady income in an ever-changing sports landscape.
This diversified approach to wealth creation has helped him remain one of the richest figures in hockey history, even as modern players sign increasingly larger contracts.
Ultimately, Wayne Gretzky’s financial success mirrors his career philosophy anticipating opportunities, making smart moves, and staying ahead of the game.
His net worth is not just a measure of money earned, but a testament to long-term planning, brand longevity, and strategic decision-making that continues to inspire athletes and entrepreneurs alike.
