Wayne Gretzky (born January 26, 1961) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and coach, often regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time. Known as “The Great One,” he played 20 NHL seasons and holds numerous records, including the most career goals, assists, and points.
Gretzky led teams like the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings to championships, winning 9 Hart Trophies and 10 Art Ross Trophies. After retiring in 1999, he was immediately inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and later became an executive and coach.
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Wayne Gretzky Net Worth
Wayne Gretzky has a net worth of $250 million. In the late 1980s, he bought a property in Beverly Park, Beverly Hills, later selling it to billionaire Eric Smidt. In 2007, he and his wife built a mansion in Thousand Oaks, California, within the exclusive Sherwood Country Club.
The 10,815 square-foot home features a state-of-the-art kitchen, a theater, a pizza oven, a gym, and a sunken tennis court. He sold it in 2014 for $18.5 million. Throughout his career, Gretzky earned $96 million in salary and endorsements, making wise investments.
Early life
Wayne Gretzky was born on January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario. Raised in a hockey-focused family, his father, Walter, built a rink in their backyard where Wayne developed his skills.
By age 10, Gretzky scored 378 goals and 139 assists in a single season, gaining media attention. At 14, he moved to Toronto to further his career, playing Junior B hockey. Despite challenges, he excelled, earning Rookie of the Year honors and later wore number 99 for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
Career
In 1978, at 17, Wayne Gretzky signed a $1.75 million, seven-year contract with the Indianapolis Racers in the WHA, as the NHL restricted under-20 signings. After a brief stint, he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, leading them to four Stanley Cup victories.
Gretzky earned nine Hart Trophies, ten Art Ross Trophies, and two Conn Smythe Trophies during his career. He played for the Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers before retiring in 1999, holding 61 NHL records and having his #99 jersey retired.
Personal Life
Wayne Gretzky met actress Janet Jones while judging “Dance Fever” in 1987. They began dating, and Gretzky proposed in January 1988. The couple married in July 1988 in a wedding dubbed “The Royal Wedding” by Canadian media, costing over $1 million USD. They have five children: three sons and two daughters.
Their son, Trevor, is a former minor league baseball player. Their daughter, Paulina Gretzky, a singer and model, has been with golfer Dustin Johnson since 2013; they married in April 2022 and have two children.
What is the Gretzky rule?
The Gretzky Rule was introduced in the NHL during the 1985–86 season to limit the number of points a player could accumulate during a single power play. This rule was implemented due to Wayne Gretzky’s exceptional performance, where he frequently scored multiple points on power plays. The rule was eventually repealed.
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Conclusion
Wayne Gretzky’s journey from a hockey prodigy to a sports legend and a successful businessman is a tale of talent, hard work, and strategic foresight. His financial accomplishments, much like his sports achievements, place him in a league of his own, making him a role model both on and off the ice.
FAQs about Wayne Gretzky Net Worth
- How much is Wayne Gretzky’s net worth?
- Wayne Gretzky’s net worth is estimated at $250 million.
- What are the sources of Wayne Gretzky’s wealth?
- His wealth stems from his NHL career, business ventures, coaching roles, and endorsements.
- Did Wayne Gretzky own any NHL team other than the Phoenix Coyotes?
- No, his only ownership was in the Phoenix Coyotes.
- How has Wayne Gretzky contributed to society off the rink?
- He established the Wayne Gretzky Foundation and is involved in various charitable activities.
- What makes Wayne Gretzky a legendary figure in ice hockey?
- His record-breaking career, skill, and intelligence on the ice, combined with his influence and contributions to the sport post-retirement.
