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Wayne Gretzky is thought by many to be the best hockey player ever. During his long career, he not only left a lasting mark on the sport but also made a lot of money.
His unmatched skill, great vision, and ability to score goals made him a popular name worldwide. But his huge skill on the ice is not the only thing that has made him famous and wealthy.
This post explores Wayne Gretzky net worth, his profitable commercial enterprises, and incredible financial legacy. Get ready to learn more about the incredible wealth of a true sports star.
What is Wayne Gretzky net Worth and Salary in 2023?
Wayne Gretzky, the legendary Canadian ice hockey player, has an estimated net worth of $250 million in 2023. Throughout his illustrious career, he amassed numerous records and achievements contributing to his substantial wealth.
Gretzky’s net worth has grown through different investments and business ventures, in addition to the money he made as a professional athlete. Including money from endorsements and other sources, his total annual salary is around $20 million.
Wayne Gretzky’s Overview
Early Life
Born on January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario, Wayne was introduced to the sport very young by his father, Walter Gretzky.
Walter built a backyard ice rink where young Wayne spent countless hours practicing and honing his skills. By age two, Wayne was already trying to score goals, and he began skating at just two and a half years old.
At the age of six, Wayne joined a team composed of 10-year-olds, showcasing his exceptional talent even at such a young age.
His first coach, Dick Martin, noticed that Wayne handled the puck better than the older kids.
Wayne continued to excel in the sport, and at the age of 14, his family arranged for him to move to Toronto to further his career and escape the mounting pressure in his hometown.
Professional Hockey Career
Wayne Gretzky, known as The Great One, had an illustrious professional hockey career spanning 20 seasons from 1978 to 1999.
He played for four NHL teams:
- Edmonton Oilers (1978-1988)
- Los Angeles Kings (1988-1996)
- St. Louis Blues (1996)
- New York Rangers (1996-1999)
Before entering the NHL, Gretzky played briefly in the WHA for the Indianapolis Racers in the 1978–79 season.
Gretzky’s best time in his career was when he played for the Edmonton Oilers. There, he won four Stanley Cups and a lot of individual awards, such as eight Hart Trophies and seven Art Ross Trophies.
He set several records during this period, such as scoring 92 goals in a single season and amassing 215 points. His offensive prowess and skill helped redefine the NHL’s style of play, pushing the league to new heights.
In 1988, Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, where he continued to excel on the ice, winning one more Hart Trophy and three more Art Ross Trophies.
He led the Kings to their first Stanley Cup finals appearance in 1993, though they ultimately lost to the Montreal Canadiens.
Off the ice, Gretzky’s presence in Los Angeles had a significant impact on the growth of hockey in nontraditional markets, paving the way for the NHL’s expansion across the United States.
Gretzky’s stint with the St. Louis Blues was brief, lasting only 18 regular-season games and 13 playoff games. Despite leading the team in scoring during the playoffs, the Blues were eliminated in the second round by the Detroit Red Wings.
In the final chapter of his career, Gretzky joined the New York Rangers, reuniting with his best friend Mark Messier. While his personal stats remained strong, the Rangers failed to qualify for the playoffs in his last two seasons.
Gretzky retired at the end of the 1998-99 season, leaving behind a legacy that includes 61 NHL records and numerous awards and accolades.
Post-Retirement Engagements
After retiring from professional hockey, Gretzky transitioned into various business ventures. In 2000, he purchased a 10% stake in the NHL team, the Phoenix Coyotes, and later coached the team from 2005 to 2009.
In 2016, he became the vice-chairman and partner of the Oilers Entertainment Group.
Gretzky has also invested in other sports teams, including the Hull Olympiques and the Toronto Argonauts, and is a partner with First Team Sports, a sports equipment manufacturer.
In addition to his involvement in sports teams, Gretzky has ventured into the hospitality industry. He owns a winery, Wayne Gretzky Estates in Ontario, and operates multiple restaurants.
These investments have allowed him to maintain an active and successful career beyond his time on the ice.
Gretzky’s business acumen and endorsement deals have played a significant role in shaping his post-retirement career.
He built a wide and wealthy business empire by leveraging his celebrity and accomplishments in the NHL.
He has also been supported by well-known companies like Domino’s Pizza and Coca-Cola. In 1995, he was one of the five highest-paid athletes in North America.
He also launched No. 99 Gretzky’s Wine & Whiskey in Edmonton International Airport in 2016 and Studio 99 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada, in 2018.
Personal Life
He married Janet Jones in 1988, and together they have five children: daughters Paulina and Emma, and sons Ty, Trevor, and Tristan. Gretzky takes great pride in his role as a father and husband and cherishes the time spent with his loved ones.
Why is Wayne Gretzky Famous?
Wayne Gretzky is known for his amazing skills and successes in ice hockey. His skill, strategy, and records have made him one of the best hockey players of all time.
Gretzky got the nickname The Great One because he dominated the game and always did better than his peers.
During his career, he broke a lot of marks, including the most goals, assists, and points in NHL history. Gretzky was liked both on and off the ice because of his charismatic personality, sportsmanship, and leadership skills.
His impact goes far beyond hockey, as he has become an ambassador for the game and a symbol of excellence. Wayne Gretzky’s fame is a sign of how talented he was and how much he changed the world of sports.
FAQs about Wayne Gretzky
How old is Wayne Gretzky?
Wayne Gretzky was born on January 26, 1961, making him 62 years old as of May 2023.
How did Wayne Gretzky get so rich?
He got a 10% share in May 2000, and from October 2005 to September 2009, he was the team’s coach. In 2016, he also joined the Oilers Entertainment Group as vice-chairman and a partner. Forbes says that Wayne Gretzky is now worth about $250 million thanks to his many lucrative marketing deals.
What was Wayne Gretzky’s highest salary during his hockey career?
Wayne Gretzky earned $46 million in salary during his hockey career, with an additional $50 million in endorsements. After adjusting for inflation, he earned $150 million.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wayne Gretzky’s net worth is a sign of how talented he was and how much he changed the world of ice hockey. Gretzky’s career was full of records, awards, and many wins. These things have made him a sports icon and given him a lot of money.
Gretzky’s net worth has grown through his playing career, endorsements, business interests, and other ventures. Visit WCNetworth.com to gain a lot of information about celebrities, players, entrepreneurs, and more.
