Wayne Gretzky is undoubtedly one of the greatest hockey players of all time, and his impact on the sport is immeasurable. During his career, he broke numerous records and helped to raise the profile of hockey in North America. Gretzky earned an impressive salary during his playing days, but many fans still wonder: how much did Wayne Gretzky make?
To answer this question, we need to take a closer look at the various contracts Gretzky signed throughout his career. The first significant deal came in 1979, when Gretzky signed a 7-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers worth $1.75 million. This was an enormous sum at the time, and it reflected Gretzky`s emerging superstar status.
Over the course of his career, Gretzky signed several other lucrative contracts. In 1988, he signed an unprecedented 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings, worth $25 million. This was an astronomical sum at the time and established Gretzky as the highest-paid athlete in North America. The deal also included an ownership stake in the team, which helped to secure Gretzky`s long-term financial future.
Despite his massive earnings, Gretzky was always focused on winning and never let money become a distraction. He famously took a pay cut before the 1996-97 season to help the New York Rangers sign other players and build a winning team. This selfless act helped to cement Gretzky`s legacy as one of the greatest team players of all time.
In total, Gretzky`s career earnings are estimated at around $60 million. While this is a vast sum, it pales in comparison to the salaries earned by modern-day athletes. However, Gretzky`s impact on the game goes far beyond his earnings, and he remains a role model for hockey players around the world.
In conclusion, Wayne Gretzky earned an impressive salary during his playing days, but his legacy extends far beyond his earnings. His outstanding talent, dedication to winning, and commitment to his team set him apart as one of the greatest athletes of all time. While he may not have been the highest-paid athlete of his era, he remains an inspiration to generations of hockey players and fans.