Épisodes

  • Wayne Gretzky's $1M Jersey: The Great One's Enduring Legacy
    Sep 3 2025
    Wayne Gretzky BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    Wayne Gretzky is back atop the sports memorabilia headlines as Sothebys New York is set to auction off the jersey he wore for his final NHL point on September 30. This remarkable piece is expected to fetch over one million dollars and is described as an iconic relic from that fateful April 18 1999 night when Gretzky notched his 2857th and last NHL point assisting Brian Leetch. The jersey stands as a pivotal artifact of hockey history and will be featured alongside a Kobe Bryant rookie jersey in the auction houses Sports Week event. This sale has the hockey world buzzing not only for its financial implications but for the story it encapsulates with Gretzky closing out an unparalleled career. According to Sothebys this is only one of four sweaters authenticated from his last game, signed and previously displayed at Madison Square Garden, now drawing interest far beyond the typical collectibles market.

    On the legacy front Gretzky remains a touchstone for the business world as Spreaker recently profiled his 250 million dollar empire, highlighting active ventures in wine, spirits and endorsements. Wayne Gretzky Estates in Niagara continues welcoming guests for tastings and casual visits drawing both tourists and hockey fans with a blend of themed hospitality and fine Ontario wine. The estate offers daily tastings with a new menu and positions Gretzky as not just a retired athlete but a business mogul with enduring influence in Canadian wine and spirits.

    In the philanthropic sphere the Wayne Gretzky Foundation is once again delivering its “Future Team Canada” initiative with Hockey Canada, providing financial and equipment support to 13 minor hockey teams across the country. This grassroots program is seen as deeply meaningful both for the recipient teams and for cementing Gretzky’s legacy as a champion of youth hockey, emphasizing values over victories.

    Socially his name is in the news for more controversial reasons too as Todayville reports a petition in Edmonton seeking to remove his name from Wayne Gretzky Drive. This backlash follows publicized photos of Gretzky attending Donald Trumps re-election celebration, angering some Canadians who feel the hockey legend has crossed a cultural line by aligning with US political figures. The debate has spilled onto social platforms and mainstream news sparking a wave of commentary about Gretzkys dual identity as a Canadian icon and American resident.

    In recent public comments Gretzky took a nostalgic tone with the Times of India reflecting on his last NHL game and sharing that his most meaningful memory was not the official ovation but his private car ride with his father Walter en route to Madison Square Garden—a rare glimpse behind the larger-than-life persona. Gretzky’s visibility remains high on social media with fans and collectors abuzz about the Sothebys auction while his name trends periodically in hockey and business circles for both inspiring and polarizing reasons. No major personal appearances or live interviews have been reported in the last week but The Great One’s brand continues to command headlines in 2025.

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    4 min
  • Wayne Gretzky's $250M Empire: The Great One's Enduring Legacy in 2025
    Aug 31 2025
    Wayne Gretzky BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    Wayne Gretzky remains a constant headline magnet in 2025, if not for his on-ice legacy then for his off-ice business moves and enduring celebrity. According to the Times of India and Forbes, his net worth has now hit approximately $250 million, making him one of the richest retired athletes in North America. This fortune keeps growing thanks to smart investments, ongoing endorsement deals with brands such as Nike and Coca-Cola, and his successful ventures in real estate and hospitality. His Ontario-based Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery is bustling this August, drawing visitors for tastings and gourmet events, and featuring Chef Maurice Desharnais’ crowd-pleasing menus, which have even made waves on foodie social media in recent days.

    Gretzky’s name keeps popping up, including a recent viral moment when Taylor Swift was called the 'Wayne Gretzky of Music' during the Stanley Cup Finals broadcast, a nod to his undiminished cultural currency as reported by Us Weekly and AOL Entertainment. Gretzky’s own appearances have focused more on lifestyle than on the rink this summer. He’s been spotted golfing in California and spending time with family, while occasionally analyzing hockey on television, giving fans a glimpse of his lighter side rather than the ultra-competitive athlete remembered from his Oilers and Kings days. Meanwhile, his philanthropic side is alive and well—the Wayne Gretzky Foundation and the Canadian Hockey Foundation announced a new million-dollar commitment for the 2025-26 hockey season, supporting youth development across Canada, as confirmed by Hockey Canada’s official channels.

    A significant news story still reverberating through the hockey world is about Alex Ovechkin breaking Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record at UBS Arena in February, as covered by Times of India and other major outlets. The passing of that torch was marked by widespread retrospectives on Gretzky’s childhood in Brantford, his father’s iconic backyard rink, and the intangible lessons about family and passion that drove him to nearly 900 career goals. Although Gretzky himself gave a brief, gracious statement in the aftermath, most coverage has painted him as philosophical and supportive, avoiding any drama or rivalry narrative and instead emphasizing the evolution of the game.

    No significant public controversy or business shakeup has touched Gretzky in these late summer days. His social media footprint is mostly promotional—highlighting winery events, snippets about hockey’s positive impact, and occasional family snapshots. While Edmonton Oilers fans briefly bemoaned the franchise skipping a Hall of Fame induction this season—a move that some interpreted as a generational turn away from the past—Gretzky’s legend appears undiminished, his relevance fueled more by legacy, philanthropy, and shrewd business sense than by nostalgia alone. Fans and analysts alike agree: even as new legends are born, 'The Great One' continues to set his own standard for staying in the spotlight.

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    3 min
  • Gretzky's Enduring Legacy: From Historic Trade to Generational Icon
    Aug 27 2025
    Wayne Gretzky BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    Wayne Gretzky has found himself back in the headlines this week as the anniversary of his infamous 1988 trade from Edmonton to Los Angeles was commemorated by The Oil Rig and other sports media—a familiar moment of reflection for hockey fans and historians alike. With stories resurfacing about the behind-the-scenes drama and peeks into the what-ifs of NHL franchise history, the hockey world was again reminded of the lasting impact of the Greatest One’s decision to move to the Kings and how it shaped the league’s trajectory. At the same time, Gretzky’s off-ice legacy remains as gilded as ever. The Times of India just ran a deep dive into his fortune, confirming the Great One’s net worth holds steady at about 250 million dollars in 2025, stating that it was built on not only his record-setting NHL career but a series of successful business ventures, real estate, and high-profile endorsements with global brands. The same profile describes Gretzky’s life today as one of luxury and continual involvement with his family and charitable efforts—including his foundation designed to increase hockey access for kids.

    This week also delivered a dose of nostalgia and emotion as several outlets, including Sportskeeda and the Times of India, highlighted the 25th anniversary of Gretzky’s final NHL game. In interviews, Gretzky recounted the memorable car ride to Madison Square Garden with his father Walter, a moment as poignant as any on the ice. With Gretzky’s father repeatedly urging “one more year,” the emotional weight of ending his career came through—a story that has certainly resonated with fans and earned coverage well beyond the sports pages.

    On the business and facilities front, Gretzky’s name shone in the community spotlight as the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre in Brantford hosted a splashy grand opening for its new waterslide on August 21, drawing local buzz and social media engagement. This event shows how the Gretzky name continues to pull in crowds and anchor local pride.

    Meanwhile, the Gretzky dynasty’s Hollywood-adjacent allure saw renewed attention thanks to his daughter Paulina, whose Italian yacht getaway drew viral style coverage as she channeled Old Hollywood glamour, per The Times of India, reminding the world that Gretzky family charisma reaches well beyond the rink.

    Top it off with ongoing online debates about hockey’s rising stars potentially eclipsing Gretzky’s career earnings or records—especially around Frank Nazar’s record contract with the Blackhawks, as reported by Bolavip and others—and it’s clear the Great One’s legacy, both historic and current, continues to spark fascination across business, sports, and pop culture circles. No unconfirmed rumors or controversial drama have hit the news cycle, suggesting Gretzky’s enduring star power is as controlled and dignified as his legendary play.

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    3 min
  • Wayne Gretzky's $250M Legacy: From Waterslides to Winery, NHL Records to Boardroom Mentorship
    Aug 24 2025
    Wayne Gretzky BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    Wayne Gretzky has been making headlines again this week and not just for his legendary stats. The buzz began on August 21 as the city of Brantford came out in force to celebrate the official grand opening of a state-of-the-art waterslide at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre. More than 150 fans, local officials, and day campers gathered for ribbon-cutting, music, pool toys, and speeches about community investment—proof that the Gretzky legacy is as enduring off the ice as it was on. Mayor Kevin Davis called the addition "a great upgrade to our swimming facilities," while federal infrastructure minister Gregor Robertson praised Gretzky’s name as synonymous with bringing families and opportunity together. Social media lit up with posts from attendees, some sharing virtual tours of the entire centre and others inviting the public to join Gretzky-themed swims and public skates.

    But while Gretzky’s name is attached to civic pride and family fun, the hot topic across sporting newsrooms has swung hard toward money and legacy. According to the Times of India and Forbes, Gretzky’s net worth hit a remarkable $250 million this year, courtesy of endorsement deals with marquee brands like Nike and Coca-Cola, a real estate empire sprinkled between California and Ontario, and his successful Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery and Distillery, which keeps him both business-savvy and somewhat visible in social circles. Multiple outlets point out that while his NHL career salary totaled around $46 million, his off-ice moves were just as strategic, pulling his total take from hockey and marketing closer to $76 million—all long before today's mega-contract era.

    That era snapped sharply into focus as Frank Nazar, a 21-year-old Chicago Blackhawks prospect, signed a jaw-dropping contract now paying him more per game than Gretzky earned in entire seasons. Bolavip and the Times of India report that fans are split, many calling it disrespectful to compare the new money to Gretzky’s foundational influence, especially now that NHL revenue has soared to over $6 billion a year. Gretzky himself has not publicly weighed in on this specific debate, but his biographical significance arguably rises whenever the league’s financial bar is reset.

    Elsewhere, Gretzky has kept up his semi-retired, high-profile lifestyle—seen golfing in California, weighing in as a hockey analyst, and making cameo appearances in NHL locker rooms, including when the Edmonton Oilers beat expectations earlier this playoff season. Yardbarker and the New Heights podcast revealed Gretzky expressing pride in his enduring records, such as his all-time leader points and goals, even as Alexander Ovechkin edges closer to his historic 894-goal tally. There’s even minor gossip fodder about Gretzky disagreeing with past draft decisions from the Oilers and light-hearted exchanges with Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid as they chase his towering milestones.

    Recent social media trends highlight Gretzky’s focus on business leadership, with viral posts featuring hockey-themed quotes and advice about ownership, vision, and relationships. The newest mention circulated on August 18, where he was tagged in a business-themed reel about entrepreneurial leadership, showing he’s not shy about positioning himself as both sports legend and boardroom mentor.

    In sum, the Gretzky brand remains firmly in the biographical spotlight—cemented in sports centre grandeur, debated in contract context, and flashed across news cycles with every record and public appearance. Rumors are swirling about future TV sports analyst gigs and possible expansion of his winery, but those have yet to be confirmed by reliable outlets. For now, every headline stacks onto the enduring tale of The Great One, whose long-term impact easily outlasts modern debates about numbers and names.

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    4 min
  • Gretzky's Trump Ties Ignite Firestorm as Family Welcomes Baby Amid Legacy Debates
    Aug 20 2025
    Wayne Gretzky BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    Wayne Gretzky remains a central figure in both hockey and popular culture, but the past few days have seen his name entangled in more controversy and milestones than most Hall of Famers could expect in a lifetime. The most widely discussed development has been Gretzky’s decision to accept an appointment to President Trump’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition. The Carillon and Times of India both report a firestorm of criticism, especially in Canada, where Gretzky’s salesmanship of friendship with Trump—recently reelected despite criminal convictions and controversial policies—has led to accusations that Gretzky is tacitly endorsing Trump’s immigration raids and hostile rhetoric toward Canada. Social media commentary has been relentless, with some fans labeling him a traitor. According to Times of India, his appearance with a MAGA hat at Trump events has further fueled the backlash, and his silence as Brantford, his Ontario hometown, suffers under new U.S. tariffs has disappointed local residents and business leaders. Mayor Kevin Davis and others have noted that the economic impact is severe, and the symbolic wound of Gretzky not defending Canada on such a public stage feels personal for many.

    Public opinion, however, remains divided, and for some in Brantford, Gretzky is still “The Great One,” regardless of political drama. Rick Mannen, spotted at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, urged Gretzky to speak out but stopped short of outright condemnation. Meanwhile, Gretzky’s family life offered a rare bright spot this week: his daughter Emma and her partner, Stone Eby, welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Walter Boone-Gretzky Eby on August 11, as reported by Times of India, with Emma sharing tender mother-son photos on Instagram. The expanding Gretzky family marks a joyous personal milestone and has been celebrated widely on social media.

    Amidst the turbulence, Gretzky’s philanthropic work still moves forward. Hockey Canada announced that the Wayne Gretzky Foundation is once again sponsoring the “Future Team Canada” program, set to distribute $50,000 in gear and financial support to youth hockey teams exemplifying positive values. The St. Louis Blues also made headlines with the unveiling of their 2025-26 promotional calendar, highlighting a limited edition Wayne Gretzky bobblehead commemorating the 30th anniversary of his trade to St. Louis, a gesture that underscores his lasting impact on the game. The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is also hosting the much-anticipated reopening of its waterslide on August 21, drawing community attention.

    Despite the undeniable tarnish to his image this week, with legacy debates raging on editorial pages and in online forums, Gretzky’s enduring presence in the lives of hockey fans and young players reminds everyone that the story of “The Great One” still commands attention on both sides of the border. Speculation continues about whether these recent moves could ultimately redefine his legacy for a generation, but on the personal and business front, Gretzky and his family appear undeterred, forging ahead under the brightest—if now controversial—spotlight.

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    3 min
  • Gretzky's Comeback: Trump, Tkachuk, and The Great One's Legacy
    Aug 10 2025
    Wayne Gretzky BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    Wayne Gretzky has dominated NHL headlines in recent days thanks to a mix of controversy, charitable acts, and high-wattage public appearances. The big story currently rippling through both Canadian and American sports media is Gretzky’s official partnership with Donald Trump and Matthew Tkachuk on the revived President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, a development unveiled August 1 during a White House ceremony. Trump’s executive order reintroducing the Presidential Fitness Test names Gretzky, still universally recognized as “The Great One,” to a 20-person council including titans from multiple sports, with a mission to relaunch school fitness programs nationwide. This marks one of Gretzky’s most visible government-facing roles in years and instantly generated headlines about his presence at the festivities alongside a White House packed with Stanley Cup champions and sports executives, as reported by the Times of India. The episode is noteworthy not just for Gretzky’s alignment with a highly polarizing US political figure—his son-in-law Dustin Johnson’s Trump ties are well documented—but for the optics of Gretzky’s ongoing silence on issues related to US-Canada relations, still sparking debate among Canadian commentators years after a notorious Mar-a-Lago party appearance and Trump’s “51st state” Canada jibes. According to Times of India, the fallout includes episodes as dramatic as the vandalizing of his statue at Edmonton’s Rogers Place, reflecting a deep rift in Canadian fan perception.

    Switching gears to legacy, Gretzky’s name hit the sports nostalgia circuit with a widely circulated reflection on the infamous 1988 Oilers trade. Hockey Writers and Sportskeeda have both featured retrospectives highlighting Janet Jones Gretzky’s renewed defense of their family’s side of the trade, emphasizing that financial motives of then-Oilers owner Peter Pocklington, not celebrity ambitions or personal influence, drove the move.

    On the lighter side, Gretzky’s status as a pop culture fixture was cemented earlier this week when Maggie Sajak posted a video on Instagram showing her family alongside Gretzky at UBS Arena to witness Alex Ovechkin’s record-breaking 895th goal. Several outlets, including TV Insider, covered the historic moment honoring Gretzky’s goal record and his status as a living legend—he could be seen laughing and conversing with the Sajaks postgame, drawing social media tributes labeling him the “GOAT.”

    Gretzky has also been tapped as a celebrity participant for the primetime reboot of TNT’s The Match: Superstars golf tournament, where he’ll pair up with Bill Murray and face off against fellow legends like Charles Barkley and Ken Griffey Jr. This event, announced by The Hollywood Reporter, will air in November, giving fans another chance to see Gretzky merging sports and entertainment alongside other household names.

    Recently, Gretzky sat down with Jason and Travis Kelce for a podcast taping, a fact teased on Instagram but without widespread media coverage so far. Meanwhile, the Wayne Gretzky Foundation and the Canadian Hockey Foundation announced the continued expansion of the “Future Team Canada” youth program, set to benefit 13 minor hockey organizations with gear and financial awards, demonstrating Gretzky’s ongoing commitment to hockey development, as covered by Hockey Canada’s website.

    In sum, Gretzky remains in the thick of the action—stepping onto new political stages, defending old legends, and still navigating the tricky currents of public sentiment north and south of the border.

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    4 min
  • Gretzky's White House Gig: NHL Icon Joins Trump's Fitness Council
    Aug 6 2025
    Wayne Gretzky BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    Wayne Gretzky has once again found himself at the center of North American sports and political headlines, as his appointment to Donald Trump’s newly reconstituted President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition was announced on August 1. Along with the likes of NHL star Matthew Tkachuk, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, pro golfer Jack Nicklaus, and even NHL chief Gary Bettman, Gretzky will serve in this role to promote public health—specifically, fitness and nutrition in American schools, and the reincarnation of the classic Presidential Fitness Test. The mandate also includes controversial aims such as reforming the collegiate athletic transfer portal and addressing fairness in women’s sports. Sportskeeda detailed how the move resulted in a firestorm of fan and media commentary due to Gretzky’s known history of supporting Trump, with social feeds buzzing about the surprising and not-so-surprising names on the council. While many in the hockey world seemed unfazed by Gretzky’s inclusion, the appointment reignited familiar debates over celebrity athletes and political advocacy, and fueled social media with both memes and pointed criticisms.

    Off the political stage, Gretzky’s hockey legacy remains ever-present. Alex Ovechkin recently broke Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record during the 2024-25 season, though the full impact of this historic feat, Ovi himself suggested, may not be fully realized until his eventual retirement. The milestone prompted a fresh wave of retrospectives and tributes, with Gretzky’s own role in the sport as “the Great One” undiminished in media coverage.

    The name Gretzky even helped kick off this year’s ramp up to the hockey season with the upcoming Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, a crucial international showcase for NHL prospects. This event, named in part for Gretzky, remains a key focus for scouts and fans.

    On the business and collectible front, Gretzky memorabilia continues to be white-hot. An Instagram video this week from jlee_sportscardslive hyped the auction of a Gretzky OPC rookie card about to go live on eBay—sparking excitement among sports card enthusiasts.

    Meanwhile, in the personal and development arena, Gretzky’s Hockey School got a shout-out on Instagram, showing Gretzky engaged and giving back to the next generation of players—a reminder that amid business and politics, Gretzky’s hockey heart remains close to the grassroots of the game.

    There were no confirmed personal controversies or negative headlines involving Gretzky himself in recent days, though his political alignment predictably drew mixed reactions, and his enduring commercial appeal, whether through sports quotes or sports cards, remained as reliable as a Gretzky assist. No public statements from Gretzky have surfaced about his new White House role, leaving fans and critics to keep speculating on how actively the Great One will wade into American cultural and athletic debates this fall.

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    3 min
  • Gretzky's Quiet Week: Hockey Icon's Enduring Legacy
    Aug 3 2025
    Wayne Gretzky BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    Wayne Gretzky has had a week filled with nostalgia and indirect spotlights, even if he has not been at the center of any headline-grabbing developments or dramatic business moves. According to the latest available information from Spreaker as of July 30, there have been no reported public appearances, brand partnerships, or major business activities involving Gretzky over the last few days, making it a relatively quiet period for the Great One in terms of firsthand engagement with the public or media. However, his iconic hockey achievements remain as culturally relevant as ever, underscored by fresh conversation around his seemingly unbreakable NHL record of 894 career goals. The Toledo Blade pointed out this week that Gretzky’s name returned to the sports pages when speculation mounted on whether Alex Ovechkin might ultimately break that famous record—no small testament to Gretzky’s enduring influence on the sport and the way his legacy serves as a benchmark even decades after his retirement.

    In terms of memorabilia and fan culture, funkopopsnews on August 1 created excitement with the reveal of a new NHL Wayne Gretzky Funko POP collectible, which is scheduled to go live this coming Wednesday at 9AM Pacific Time. This product drop is timed impeccably for collectors and hockey fans alike, serving both as a celebration of Gretzky’s legacy and as a piece of memorabilia representing the continued commercialization of his image in contemporary pop culture. While this is not a direct business move by Gretzky, the use of his likeness for major collectibles means his name remains a draw in the licensing world.

    On the community front, Gretzky’s ongoing commitment to grassroots hockey received new praise this week. A social media post dated August 2 from Instagram highlighted the Gretzky Hockey School, celebrating its impact on young players and hockey development in Canada. While Gretzky himself did not appear in this event, the post underlines the program’s significance in shaping future stars, with a new collection tied to the school launching online in September.

    Local Canadian events also paid tribute to his legacy, with the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre in Brantford mentioned as the site for this weekend’s Ontario Tennis Association Tournament. Again, while there is no evidence of Gretzky’s appearance, the event’s use of his name reaffirms his ongoing status as a sporting icon, especially within his hometown.

    On the social media front, he made a subtle appearance in a nostalgic post from August 2 that pictured him in an iconic faceoff with Mario Lemieux, generating anticipation as the LA Kings’ season opener approaches. No personal posts or statements from Gretzky himself have been traced in the last few days.

    Overall, the past week reflects Gretzky’s role as a cultural touchstone for the sport rather than as an active business or media participant. No rumors or unconfirmed reports emerged about his private life, and there were no public controversies or surprises—just steady reverence for his storied past and subtle reminders of his ongoing influence through products, places, and hockey schools bearing his name.

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    3 min