Wayne Gretzky's Current Team Ownership and Roles
Wayne Gretzky does not currently own a major professional sports team outright. His most prominent ownership involvement is a minority stake in the Arizona Coyotes, now known as the Utah Hockey Club, which was part of a group that purchased the team in 2001. The franchise was later relocated and is currently controlled by Ryan Smith and the Smith Entertainment Group, with Gretzky serving as a global ambassador rather than an owner or executive. He also holds a minority interest in the TGL indoor golf league, a tech-driven golf venture launched in partnership with the PGA Tour, where he contributes as a figurehead and advisor rather than a controlling owner. Forbes profile on Gretzky's business portfolio.
Ownership Structure and Investment Details
Gretzky's role in the Utah Hockey Club is strictly ambassador and brand representative, not a financial stakeholder with operational control. The team's ownership group is led by the Smith family, with Ryan Smith as principal owner and chairman. Gretzky's equity in TGL is part of a broader athlete-led investment syndicate, but the exact percentage is not publicly disclosed. The league operates with a hybrid model combining live-action golf with simulated technology, and its primary investors include PGA Tour entities and private equity partners. NHL official history of Gretzky and the Coyotes franchise.
Historical Ownership and Team Control
Wayne Gretzky was part of the ownership group that acquired the Phoenix Coyotes in 2001, a transaction that saved the franchise from relocation and bankruptcy. He served as a managing partner and head coach during the early 2000s, holding an estimated 10 percent equity stake alongside investors including Steven Gluckstern and Richard Burke. The group sold the team in 2009 to a consortium led by George Gosbee and Andrew Barroway, ending Gretzky's direct ownership tenure. His coaching role ended in 2009, and the franchise moved to Arizona in 2024 under new ownership, rebranding as the Utah Hockey Club. ESPN timeline of Gretzky's Coyotes ownership and coaching.
Key Transactions and Financial Terms
The 2001 acquisition price for the Coyotes was reported at approximately $88 million, with Gretzky and partners assuming significant debt. The 2009 sale to Gosbee and Barroway was valued at roughly $140 million, reflecting a modest return on the original investment. Gretzky did not retain any equity in the franchise after the sale, and the team's subsequent financial performance, including arena lease disputes and relocation costs, was managed entirely by new ownership. The move to Utah was finalized in 2024, with the Smith Entertainment Group investing in a new arena and operating model independent of Gretzky's involvement. SEC filings related to sports franchise acquisitions.
Other Business Ventures and Investments
Beyond team ownership, Wayne Gretzky has built a diversified portfolio of business interests, including the Wayne Gretzky Sports Group, which manages his personal brand, licensing, and charitable foundation. The group oversees his signature products, endorsements,