When it comes to hockey, Wayne Gretzky is the name that transcends the game. Known as “The Great One,” Gretzky redefined professional ice hockey and set records so far out of reach that his legacy remains untouchable. But long after his retirement, the 64-year-old Canadian icon continues to dominate headlines—not just for his sports accolades, but also for his impressive financial portfolio.
As of 2025, Wayne Gretzky’s net worth is estimated at $250 million, making him one of the wealthiest retired athletes in the world. His fortune is built on a rare combination of elite athletic performance, strategic investments, endorsement deals, and successful post-retirement ventures.
Early Life: From Backyard Rinks to National Stardom
Born January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario, Wayne Douglas Gretzky grew up skating on a homemade rink built by his father, Walter Gretzky. By age six, Wayne was competing with players four years older. His precocious talent made him a local legend but also brought jealousy and even boos from opposing parents.
His parents supported his move to Toronto, where he played Junior B hockey for the Toronto Nationals and later the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League. By 1977, he was already being hailed as Canada’s next hockey superstar.
Professional Career: A Record-Breaking Reign
Wayne Gretzky’s professional career began in 1978 with the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association (WHA). When the league folded, he joined the Edmonton Oilers, who transitioned into the NHL in 1979.
His 21-year NHL career included stints with:
- Edmonton Oilers (4 Stanley Cups)
- Los Angeles Kings
- St. Louis Blues
- New York Rangers
He earned:
- 9 Hart Trophies (MVP)
- 10 Art Ross Trophies (most points in a season)
- 2 Conn Smythe Trophies (playoff MVP)
- 61 NHL records, including most career points (2,857) and most goals in a season (92)
He remains the only player to score over 200 points in a single season—and he did it four times. Gretzky retired in 1999 and was immediately inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, bypassing the usual waiting period.
His No. 99 jersey is retired league-wide, an honor unmatched in hockey.
Career Earnings and Endorsements
During his playing career, Gretzky earned around $46 million in salary. He also pulled in approximately $50 million from endorsements, partnering with major brands like:
- Coca-Cola
- Domino’s Pizza
- Sharp Electronics
- Upper Deck
Adjusted for inflation, his total playing-era earnings approach $150 million.
Business Ventures: From Wine to CBD Gummies
Wayne Gretzky’s savvy extended beyond the ice. His post-retirement empire includes:
- Wayne Gretzky Estates: A winery and distillery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, opened in 2017
- Restaurants: Studio 99 in Edmonton and No. 99 Gretzky’s Wine & Whiskey at Edmonton International Airport
- Gretzky CBD Gummies: A wellness product line launched in 2023
- Sports team ownership: Former part-owner of the Phoenix Coyotes, Hull Olympiques, and Toronto Argonauts
- Real estate: Multiple high-profile properties, including a custom-built mansion in Thousand Oaks, California, designed by architect Richard Landry
Gretzky’s portfolio is diverse, reflecting an athlete who planned for long-term financial success.
Coaching and Executive Roles
Following retirement, Gretzky remained close to the game:
- 2002 Winter Olympics: Executive Director for Team Canada’s gold-medal-winning men’s hockey team
- Phoenix Coyotes: Head coach from 2005 to 2009
- Oilers Entertainment Group: Vice-chairman since 2016
His leadership skills have made him a valuable asset both behind the bench and in front offices.
Personal Life: Family, Love & Legacy
Wayne met actress Janet Jones in 1987 while judging on Dance Fever. The couple married in a lavish $1 million ceremony in 1988, dubbed “Canada’s Royal Wedding.”
Together, they have five children:
- Paulina Gretzky: A model and singer, married to pro golfer Dustin Johnson in 2022; the couple shares two sons
- Trevor Gretzky: Former minor league baseball player
- Three additional children—Ty, Emma, and Tristan—have stayed mostly out of the spotlight
In 2022, Dustin Johnson sold his North Palm Beach, Florida home to the Gretzkys for $4.5 million, adding to their impressive real estate collection.
Real Estate & Lifestyle
The Gretzkys once owned a mansion in Beverly Park, sold in the late 1980s. In 2007, they custom-built a 10,815-square-foot estate in Thousand Oaks. It featured:
- 6 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms
- Two guest houses
- A sunken tennis court
- Wood-burning pizza oven
- Gym, theater, and gourmet kitchen
They sold it to Lenny Dykstra in 2007 for $18.5 million, bought it back for $13.5 million in 2018, and later listed it for $22.9 million in 2020.
Legacy Beyond Hockey
Wayne Gretzky’s contribution to sports is legendary—but his life beyond hockey is equally iconic. He’s a global ambassador for hockey, a business mogul, a philanthropist, and a family man.
With a net worth of $250 million, he stands tall as one of the most successful athlete-entrepreneurs in history. And whether it’s on the rink, in the boardroom, or at the vineyard, Gretzky continues to define greatness in every arena he enters.
