Gretzky Reportedly Seeks $2 Million-Plus a Year for Four Years

Wayne Gretzky, told by owner Bruce McNall of the Kings to write his own contract, is asking for a four-year deal that will pay him $2 million a year plus bonuses, the London (Ontario) Free Press reported Wednesday.

Gretzky, the National Hockey League’s top player, was obtained by the Kings from the Edmonton Oilers on Aug. 9. Gretzky, 27, had two years left on his Edmonton contract, but it was confirmed that Gretzky has told McNall he will play at least four more years.

In return, McNall will give Gretzky a percentage of gate receipts from home games and has offered him a share in ownership of the team, the newspaper reported.

News reports have said Gretzky may also receive a $5-million payment from the Kings.

Gretzky was earning $850,000 plus bonuses with the Oilers. By comparison, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of basketball’s highest-paid players, is paid about $2 million a season. Ozzie Smith is baseball’s highest-paid player in 1988, earning $2.34 million, including $140,000 as a pro-rated share of his signing bonus.

The Oilers received $15 million from the Kings, along with 55-goal scorer Jimmy Carson, No. 1 draft pick Martin Gelinas and the Kings’ first-round selections in the 1989, 1991 and 1993 drafts.