In a moment that has sent shockwaves throughout the NHL and beyond, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky has once again proven why he is not only “The Great One” on the ice but also off of it. In a stunning announcement early this morning, Gretzky revealed that he is donating his entire $109 million signing bonus from a recent ambassador contract with the NHL to a series of charitable causes — a move being hailed as one of the most generous acts in sports history.
A Signing Bonus Unlike Any Other
The 64-year-old icon recently inked a landmark deal with the NHL to serve as its Global Ambassador for Youth Hockey Development. While the 10-year contract itself has been kept under wraps, insiders confirmed the staggering $109 million signing bonus — one of the largest ever given to a non-player in league history.
But Gretzky, ever the embodiment of humility and grace, shocked the league, media, and fans by pledging 100% of that bonus to charitable initiatives across North America and internationally.
Where the Money Is Going
According to a statement released by Gretzky’s foundation, the funds will be allocated to several causes close to his heart:
- $25 million to create and support youth hockey programs in underserved communities across Canada and the United States.
- $20 million to build and maintain free-access ice rinks in rural and inner-city areas.
- $15 million toward mental health programs for young athletes.
- $10 million to scholarship funds for student-athletes pursuing post-secondary education.
- $25 million to global children’s charities focusing on sports development, nutrition, and education.
- $14 million reserved for emergency relief efforts and disaster recovery programs.
“Hockey gave me everything — friendships, discipline, a platform, and a lifelong passion,” said Gretzky at a press conference this morning. “Now it’s time for me to give back in a way that makes this beautiful game accessible and empowering for the next generation — no matter where they come from.”
The Hockey World Reacts
Tributes have poured in from fellow NHL legends, current stars, team owners, and fans around the globe.
Sidney Crosby called the gesture “legendary in every sense,” while Connor McDavid, captain of the Edmonton Oilers, said, “Wayne just keeps setting the bar higher. This will change thousands of lives.”
Commissioner Gary Bettman praised the move as “an unprecedented act of compassion and vision,” calling it “a defining moment in the history of our league.”
A Legacy Redefined
Wayne Gretzky’s name already appears throughout the NHL record books — 894 goals, 2,857 points, four Stanley Cups, and countless awards. But with this act, he may have cemented a different kind of legacy — one that transcends statistics and trophies.
As the world continues to react to the news, one thing is clear: Wayne Gretzky isn’t just the greatest hockey player to ever live — he may also be one of the greatest human beings to ever lace up a pair of skates.
