Wayne Gretzky isn’t just a hockey legend—he’s the player who changed the game forever. Known as “The Great One,” Gretzky dominated the NHL with a level of skill and consistency that set him apart from every other player in hockey history. As of 2025, Wayne Gretzky has a net worth of $250 million, thanks to his massive earnings from sports, endorsements, and business investments.
How Old Is Wayne Gretzky and Where Did He Grow Up?
Wayne Douglas Gretzky was born on January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, making him 64 years old in 2025. He grew up in a tight-knit family with three brothers and one sister. His father, Walter Gretzky, built a homemade ice rink in their backyard where Wayne began skating at the age of three.
By the time he was six, Gretzky was already playing on teams with ten-year-olds. His early talent drew admiration and jealousy alike. The intensity of his dominance even caused parents of opposing teams to boo him. To help him grow in a better environment, his family eventually moved him to Toronto, where he was allowed to play in a more competitive league, setting the stage for his junior and professional career.
The Unmatched Hockey Career of Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky started his professional career at just 17 years old when he signed a personal services contract with the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association (WHA) in 1978. He was quickly traded to the Edmonton Oilers, and when the WHA folded, Gretzky joined the NHL in 1979 with the Oilers.
With Edmonton, he led the team to four Stanley Cup victories and shattered countless league records. Gretzky is the only NHL player to score over 200 points in a single season, and he achieved that four times. His NHL accolades include:
- 9 Hart Memorial Trophies (MVP)
- 10 Art Ross Trophies (Most Points)
- 2 Conn Smythe Trophies (Playoff MVP)
- 5 Lester B. Pearson Awards
Gretzky also played for the Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and finally, the New York Rangers before retiring in 1999. At the time of his retirement, he held 61 NHL records, many of which remain unbroken today.
Career Earnings and Endorsements
During his career, Gretzky earned around $46 million in salary from the NHL. He made another $50 million through endorsements. When adjusted for inflation, his total career income would be worth about $150 million in today’s dollars.
His endorsement portfolio included deals with Coca-Cola, Sharp, Domino’s Pizza, and Upper Deck. By the mid-1990s, he was one of the top five highest-paid athlete endorsers in North America.
Post-Retirement: Coaching, Management & Gold Medal Glory
After retiring, Gretzky stayed close to hockey. He served as the executive director of the Canadian National Men’s Team during the 2002 Winter Olympics, leading Canada to its first gold medal in men’s hockey in 50 years.
In 2000, he bought a 10% stake in the Phoenix Coyotes and served as the team’s head coach from 2005 to 2009. Later, in 2016, he became vice-chairman and partner of Oilers Entertainment Group, reuniting with the franchise where he became a legend.
Business Ventures and Entrepreneurial Success
Gretzky has shown excellent business acumen since retiring from the NHL. In 1985, he bought the Hull Olympiques of the QMJHL for $175,000 CAD, later selling the team for $550,000 CAD. He was also a minority owner of the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL alongside John Candy.
He co-owned a rare Honus Wagner baseball card, bought for $451,000, and resold it for a profit. He is also involved with First Team Sports, a sports equipment manufacturer, and Worldwide Roller Hockey, Inc.
In 2017, he partnered with Andrew Peller Ltd. to open the Wayne Gretzky Estates winery and distillery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. He’s also the name behind Studio 99 at Rogers Place and No. 99 Gretzky’s Wine & Whiskey at the Edmonton International Airport. In 2023, he entered the wellness market with the release of Wayne Gretzky CBD Gummies.
Personal Life: Wife, Children & Famous Family Ties
Wayne met actress Janet Jones in 1987 while both were part of a television show taping. He proposed in early 1988 and the couple married that July in a lavish ceremony dubbed “Canada’s Royal Wedding.” The event cost over $1 million USD.
Wayne and Janet have five children—three sons and two daughters. Their son Trevor played minor league baseball, while their daughter Paulina Gretzky is a model and singer. Paulina has been in a relationship with pro golfer Dustin Johnson since 2013, and they got married in April 2022. The couple shares two children.
Wayne Gretzky’s Real Estate Portfolio
Gretzky’s real estate ventures are just as notable as his career. In the late 1980s, after joining the LA Kings, he purchased a Beverly Hills mansion in the ultra-exclusive Beverly Park area. He later sold it to billionaire Eric Smidt, who combined it with an adjacent lot and resold the estate for $40 million.
In 2007, Wayne and Janet built a 10,815-square-foot mansion in Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California, complete with two guesthouses, a tennis court, a gym, a home theater, and an outdoor pizza oven. They sold the home in 2014 to former MLB player Lenny Dykstra for $18.5 million.
Dykstra later filed for bankruptcy, and the house went into foreclosure. In a twist of fate, the Gretzkys re-purchased the mansion in 2018 for $13.5 million, bringing their real estate journey full circle.
Legacy and The Great One’s Lasting Influence
Wayne Gretzky’s name is synonymous with hockey greatness. From his staggering NHL records to his success off the ice, he has built a life that many athletes aspire to. His impact is felt not just through his statistics, but through his work in hockey development, business ventures, and charitable efforts.
With a net worth of $250 million in 2025, Wayne Gretzky remains not just the greatest hockey player of all time—but a lasting icon in the sports world and beyond.
