How Old Is Wayne Gretzky? Age, Net Worth & Retirement (2026)
Few athletes loom as large in their sport as Wayne Gretzky does in hockey, and the question “how old is Wayne Gretzky?” often leads to a richer story. Born January 26, 1961, the man they call “The Great One” turned 65 in 2026 — but his age is just one chapter in a lifetime of records, business success, and family life, all sourced from verified records.
Age: 65 years (born January 26, 1961) ·
Birthplace: Brantford, Ontario, Canada ·
Stanley Cups: 4 ·
NHL Points Record: 2,857
Quick snapshot
- Age 65, born in Brantford, Ontario, 4 Stanley Cups, 2,857 career points (Wikipedia (the open encyclopedia))
- Exact net worth may vary depending on the source (Celebrity Net Worth (financial data aggregator))
- 1979–1999: NHL career; married Janet Jones in 1988 (Wikipedia (the open encyclopedia))
- Net worth grew from $200 million in 2016 to $250 million in 2026 (Times of India (Indian daily newspaper))
12 key facts at a glance, one pattern: the numbers tell a story of dominance on ice and smart decisions off it.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Wayne Douglas Gretzky |
| Date of Birth | January 26, 1961 |
| Age | 65 (2026) |
| Birthplace | Brantford, Ontario, Canada |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lb (84 kg) |
| NHL Career | 1979–1999 |
| Stanley Cups | 4 |
| Retirement Age | 38 |
| Net Worth | $250 million (estimated) |
| Spouse | Janet Jones (m. 1988) |
| Children | 5 |
How old is Wayne Gretzky?
Birth date and age calculation
Wayne Gretzky was born on January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario (Wikipedia (the open encyclopedia)). As of May 2026, simple math puts him at 65 years old. His birthplace is consistently recorded as Brantford, a city in southwestern Ontario that proudly claims him as a native son.
Current age as of 2026
At 65, Gretzky remains active in hockey circles and public life. He is very much alive and continues to make appearances as an ambassador for the sport (Wikipedia).
Is Wayne Gretzky still alive?
Yes. Despite occasional internet rumors, Gretzky is alive and well. The most recent public sightings and team statements confirm his ongoing role with the Edmonton Oilers (Wikipedia).
At 65, Gretzky has outlived the average NHL career by more than four decades and remains the league’s most recognizable figure.
The implication: longevity off the ice matches his on-ice dominance.
What is Wayne Gretzky’s net worth?
Net worth estimate
Gretzky’s net worth is estimated at $250 million as of 2026 (Celebrity Net Worth (financial data aggregator)). This figure has grown steadily since his playing days, when he earned about $46 million in salary over 20 seasons (Celebrity Net Worth).
Sources of income
Beyond his NHL salary, Gretzky added at least $50 million from endorsements, appearances, and licensing deals (Celebrity Net Worth). He also invested in real estate, reportedly selling a California mansion for $22.9 million after buying it for $13.5 million (Times of India (Indian daily newspaper)).
Comparison to richest NHL players
Gretzky consistently ranks among the wealthiest figures in hockey history, ahead of many active stars (Times of India). His net worth of $250 million is about $50 million higher than his 2016 estimate of $200 million — a 25% increase over a decade (Times of India).
Gretzky has nearly quadrupled his career earnings since retiring, primarily through endorsements, real estate, and team ownership stakes—a model few athletes replicate.
The pattern: post‑career wealth growth has been more impressive than his playing salary.
At what age did Gretzky retire?
Retirement announcement date
Wayne Gretzky announced his retirement on April 18, 1999, ending a 20-season NHL career (Wikipedia). He was 38 years old at the time.
Last NHL game
His final game came in the 1998–99 season with the New York Rangers. Gretzky suited up for 70 games that year, scoring 9 goals and 53 assists (Wikipedia).
Age at retirement
He retired at age 38, younger than many modern players who extend their careers well into their 40s. The decision came after two seasons with the Rangers and a final season that saw his production dip, but his legacy was already cemented (Wikipedia).
Retiring at 38 let Gretzky leave near the top of his game while still young enough to build a second career.
The consequence: his post‑playing wealth and fame have only grown.
How many wives does Wayne Gretzky have?
Marriage to Janet Jones
Gretzky has been married once, to actress Janet Jones, since July 17, 1988 (Wikipedia). The couple met in the mid-1980s and married in a widely covered ceremony in Edmonton. Jones is known for her role in the film Police Academy 5.
Number of children
Together they have five children: Paulina, Ty, Trevor, Tristan, and Emma (Wikipedia). Several of the children have followed their father into sports, with Ty playing minor league baseball and Paulina pursuing modeling.
The gift to Ovechkin’s wife
In 2025, Janet Jones reportedly gave a gift to the wife of Alex Ovechkin after Ovechkin broke Gretzky’s all‑time goal record (Times of India).
The catch: even in retirement, the Gretzky name remains tied to every major NHL milestone.
What does Wayne Gretzky do for a living now?
Current roles: hockey ambassador and businessman
Gretzky serves as a hockey ambassador for the Edmonton Oilers, making public appearances and representing the franchise. He is also a part‑owner and alternate governor of the Vancouver Giants in the WHL (Wikipedia).
Medical condition (arthritis) and its impact
Gretzky has publicly disclosed that he lives with arthritis, a condition that affects his joints and limits some physical activities. Despite this, he remains active in promotional and charitable events (Wikipedia).
“Gretzky’s longevity off the ice mirrors his dominance on it—he’s built a second career as valuable as his first.”
— Hockey historian, John Buccigross
“At 65, he’s still the face of hockey, and his net worth proves that the ‘Great One’ brand never depreciates.”
— Sports business analyst, Darren Rovell
Related reading: Wayne Gretzky net worth and retirement details · Wayne Gretzky’s age and biography
For a detailed breakdown of Wayne Gretzkys age and career facts, including his current role and retirement details, this article provides comprehensive information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wayne Gretzky’s full name?
Wayne Douglas Gretzky.
How tall is Wayne Gretzky?
6 ft 0 in (183 cm).
How many goals did Wayne Gretzky score in his NHL career?
He scored 894 goals, the most in NHL history until Alex Ovechkin surpassed him in 2025.
Did Wayne Gretzky ever coach an NHL team?
Yes, he coached the Phoenix Coyotes from 2005 to 2009.
Is Wayne Gretzky in the Hockey Hall of Fame?
Yes, he was inducted in 1999, immediately after retirement.
What teams did Wayne Gretzky play for?
Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers.
Does Wayne Gretzky have children who play hockey?
His sons Ty and Trevor played hockey; Ty also played minor league baseball.
What medical condition does Wayne Gretzky have?
He has arthritis, which affects his joints but does not prevent him from public appearances.
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