Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky is the greatest hockey player in history by every statistical measure and the most financially successful hockey player of all time. Known as The Great One, Gretzky holds or shares 61 NHL records, including the all-time records for goals (894), assists (1,963), and total points (2,857). His assist total alone would make him the all-time points leader even if he had never scored a single goal. No other athlete in any major sport has this kind of statistical separation from the field.

Gretzky's career NHL earnings were modest by today's standards -- approximately $46 million over 21 seasons -- but his endorsement and business income has been substantial. He has long-standing deals with Upper Deck, TD Bank, and various Canadian brands. Wayne Gretzky Estates, his winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, produces award-winning wines and operates a popular distillery. He also co-owned multiple restaurants (Wayne Gretzky's Toronto) and has served as a brand ambassador for BetMGM and other gaming platforms.

Gretzky briefly owned a stake in the Phoenix Coyotes and served as the team's head coach, though the ownership experience was financially unsuccessful. He has since focused on endorsements, brand partnerships, and his winery business. His net worth of $250 million reflects his status as hockey's greatest ambassador and a brand that transcends the sport -- particularly in Canada, where he is a national icon on the level of a founding father.