By the time Wayne Gretzky finally called it quits in 1999, he wasn’t just the greatest hockey player; he was also the most dominant sportsman in North American sports. But knowing the Great One, he wasn’t quite done with the spotlight.As soon as he retired, he decided that the legacy of most goals, most assists, most NHL points, and 58 other records wasn’t enough for him. He wanted to break some off-ice records. And he did so by 2016, as he had a net worth of $200 million. But even that pales in comparison to his net worth a decade later in 2026.
Wayne Gretzky’s net worth in 2016 and how much it grew by 2026
2016 was a special year for Gretzky, as it was 10 years ago that he was appointed the vice-chairman and partner of the Oilers Entertainment Group. The owners of the very same franchise for whom he won four Stanley Cups.But it was his wealth that really proved that while Gretzky’s hockey IQ might be unparalleled, he was also one of the league’s savviest businessmen. Now, a decade later, it feels as if 2026 is the new 2016. And his net worth is proof of that. As per Celebrity Net Worth, Gretzky currently stands with a net worth of $250 million, a $50 million increase from a decade ago. This 25% growth proves his continued brand power.This amount also dwarfs his career earnings by a good $4 million. This again proves just how good the Great One has been with his financial decisions to nearly quadruple his career earnings over the 26 years since his retirement.
What were Wayne Gretzky’s career earnings over his NHL career?
During his NHL career from 1979 to 1999, Gretzky earned approximately $46 million in salary. While that’s a substantial figure, it represents only a fraction of his total wealth. His peak earning years came with the New York Rangers, where he commanded $6.5 million annually.This wasn’t unjust, as in his career Gretzky did some things that modern hockey fans just can’t understand. This included four seasons with 200+ points. Something that only he had done and even the legendary Mario Lemieux couldn’t repeat. Not to mention, the Great One also had the record for 894 career goals and still holds the all-time record for most points at 2857 points.But compared to these numbers, his earnings seem modest compared to today’s mega-contracts, but Gretzky played in an era before the salary explosion that would follow. What set him apart wasn’t just what he earned on the ice, but his understanding that his playing days would finance much larger opportunities.Those career earnings became the foundation upon which he built an empire worth more than five times his hockey salary alone. Soon, endorsements came for the “Great One.”
Wayne Gretzky’s $50 million endorsement deals
Gretzky understood early that his brand could transcend hockey. During and after his playing career, he earned an estimated $50 million from endorsements, appearances, and licensing deals with powerhouse brands including Nike, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and Upper Deck. His association with these companies wasn’t just lucrative but also strategic. His decision to join the trading card giants meant that his name remains in printed media and collectibles for a long time. So while the younger generation might not remember his on-ice miracles, they will remember him in another way.But while some legends wane after retirement, Gretzky continued to be the center of brand deals, and his partnership with betting giants BetMGM once again showed his understanding of the market in this age of sports betting.
Strategic Investments: Real Estate, Wineries, and Ownership Stakes
Gretzky’s post-retirement investment portfolio showcases remarkable diversity and timing. His real estate deals alone have been particularly profitable—he sold his family’s Los Angeles estate to MLB star Lenny Dykstra for $18.5 million and later flipped a California mansion purchased for $13.5 million for $22.9 million. The journey from $200 million in 2016 to $250 million in 2026 tells a story of sustained excellence in a second career. It’s proof that the same vision and work ethic that produced 2,857 career points can build generational wealth. Apart from his endorsement deals, Gretzky has also made sure that the current hockey audience knows of his feats with him becoming an analyst for NHL on TNT. He signed a multi-year contract with Turner Sports in 2021 that paid him $3 million annually before extending his contract in October 2025.Wayne Gretzky didn’t just change how hockey is played; he changed how hockey players think about life after the game, setting a standard for athlete entrepreneurship that endures today.Also Read: The Gretzky effect: How Wayne Gretzky made hockey cool in Hollywood and changed the NHL forever
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