Rich List
The Richest Hockey Players in the World (2026): Ranked by Net Worth
The richest hockey player is Mario Lemieux, worth an estimated $300 million, narrowly ahead of Wayne Gretzky at about $250 million. Lemieux turned deferred salary into an ownership stake in the Pittsburgh Penguins, and that equity, not his on-ice earnings, is what made him the wealthiest figure the sport has produced.
The pattern holds across this ranking: playing contracts get these athletes started, but the biggest fortunes are built after the final whistle through team ownership, endorsements, winery and restaurant ventures, and smart real estate. Each name below links to a full profile and biography with career earnings, business interests, and how the money adds up.
Ranked by Net Worth
51 profiles · figures are estimates from public sources · more added regularly.
Featured Profiles
Net Worths$300 MillionMario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux's net worth is an estimated $300 million in 2026. Here's how the Penguins legend turned salary, a franchise rescue, and ownership into a fortune.
Net Worths$250 MillionWayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky's net worth is an estimated $250 million in 2026. Here's how hockey's greatest scorer turned salary, endorsements, ownership, and a winery into wealth.
Net Worths$80 MillionAlexander Ovechkin
Alexander Ovechkin's net worth is an estimated $80 million in 2026. Here's how the Capitals captain turned $16M-a-year salary and endorsements into a fortune.
Net Worths$80 MillionChris Chelios
Chris Chelios' net worth is an estimated $80 million in 2026. Here's how the Hall of Fame defenseman turned a 26-year career, restaurants, and ventures into wealth.
Net Worths$75 MillionSidney Crosby
Sidney Crosby's net worth is an estimated $75 million in 2026. Here's how the Penguins captain turned three Stanley Cups, salary, and endorsements into a fortune.
Net Worths$70 MillionAnze Kopitar
Anze Kopitar's net worth is an estimated $70 million in 2026. Here's how the two-time Stanley Cup champion and Kings captain built his fortune through elite NHL contracts.
Net Worths$70 MillionConnor McDavid
Connor McDavid's net worth is an estimated $70 million in 2026. Here's how the Oilers captain built his fortune through a record contract, endorsements, and investing.
Net Worths$70 MillionPavel Bure
Pavel Bure's net worth is an estimated $70 million in 2026. Here's how the Hall of Fame goal scorer built his fortune through NHL salary, endorsements, and business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the richest hockey player?+
The richest hockey player is Mario Lemieux, with a net worth of about $300 million. Most of that fortune came from his ownership stake in the Pittsburgh Penguins rather than his playing salary.
Is Wayne Gretzky richer than Mario Lemieux?+
No. Wayne Gretzky is worth roughly $250 million, which places him second. Lemieux edges ahead at about $300 million thanks to the equity he built as a Penguins owner.
How do hockey players build their net worth?+
NHL salaries are the foundation, but the largest fortunes come from what players do next: team ownership, endorsements, real estate, and businesses such as Gretzky's winery and distillery.
Which active NHL player is the richest?+
Among current players, stars like Alexander Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, and Connor McDavid lead the way, each backed by long-term contracts and endorsement deals. See the ranked table above for their latest figures.