What Happened to Wayne Gretzky?

Wayne Gretzky's journey since retiring from his unparalleled NHL playing career in 1999 has seen him remain deeply entrenched in the world of hockey and expand into various entrepreneurial endeavors. After hanging up his skates, Gretzky initially moved into management and coaching roles. In May 2000, he acquired a 10% stake in the Phoenix Coyotes, taking on responsibilities as alternate governor, managing partner, and head of operations. He later served as the team's head coach from August 2005 until his resignation in September 2009.

A significant turning point in his post-playing career came in 2021 when he resigned from his position as Vice Chairman and Partner of the Oilers Entertainment Group, a role he had held since 2016, to join TNT Sports as a lead studio analyst for their NHL coverage. This move allowed 'The Great One' to offer his expert insights and charismatic presence to a broader audience. His commitment to broadcasting was further solidified in October 2025 when he signed a multi-year contract renewal with TNT Sports, ensuring his continued presence on NHL broadcasts through at least the 2025-26 season.

Beyond his media work, Gretzky has diversified his portfolio with several successful business ventures. He is a part-owner of the Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery in Ontario, which opened in 2017 and produces wines and spirits. He has also made investments in companies like Buzzer, a live sports content platform, as of April 2026. A notable development in 2024 was the announcement of his involvement, alongside billionaire Larry Robbins, in a $40 million state-of-the-art ice skating facility in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, which is projected to open in 2026.

Gretzky continues to be a prominent voice in hockey discussions. In May 2025, he shared his predictions for the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals on the 'New Heights' podcast, notably picking the Edmonton Oilers. More recently, in May 2026, he humorously weighed in on speculation regarding Connor McDavid's future with the Edmonton Oilers during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, emphasizing McDavid's love for playing in Edmonton while acknowledging the pressures of the sport. He also participated in the Discover Face-Off Panel at the 2026 NHL Winter Classic in Miami in January 2026, discussing the growth of hockey. In February 2026, Gretzky served as a draw assistant for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and attended the 2026 Winter Olympics, though his public appearances have sometimes drawn criticism in Canada due to his friendship with former U.S. President Donald Trump.

As of May 23, 2026, Wayne Gretzky remains a highly influential figure in sports, balancing his analytical role with TNT Sports, overseeing his various business interests, and engaging in public discourse about the game he dominated for two decades. His estimated net worth was around $250 million as of February 2026, reflecting his continued success both on and off the ice.