What Is Mark Messier’s Net Worth?
Mark Messier, a celebrated Canadian former professional ice hockey player, boasts a net worth of approximately $65 million. This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to his illustrious 25-year career in the National Hockey League (NHL), where he played for prominent teams such as the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, and Vancouver Canucks. His financial success is further augmented by endorsement deals and ongoing earnings from his work as a television analyst.
Mark Messier’s Career Earnings and Contracts
During his NHL career, Mark Messier accumulated over $68 million in salary alone. This figure does not account for the tens of millions he earned from various endorsement deals throughout his career. His transition to television analysis has proven to be a lucrative venture, with his most recent contract paying him $3 million annually. While specific details of his endorsement contracts are not publicly available, it is evident that they significantly contributed to his overall wealth.
Mark Messier’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on January 18, 1961, in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada, to Doug and Mary-Jean Messier, Mark was exposed to the world of hockey from a young age. His father, Doug, played for the Portland Buckaroos of the Western Hockey League (WHL), which led the family to relocate to Portland, Oregon, for a period before returning to St. Albert in 1969. Mark attended St. Francis Xavier High School in Edmonton.
Messier’s junior ice hockey career commenced in 1976 with the Spruce Grove Mets of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), where his father served as a coach. In his debut season, he amassed 66 points in 57 games. The following season, as captain of the newly renamed St. Albert Saints, Messier recorded 74 points in 54 games. His performance earned him a spot with the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL during the playoffs. Before fully committing to the NHL, Messier navigated between the Saints and the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association (WHA) during the 1978-79 season, ultimately signing with the Cincinnati Stingers for the remainder of the season.
Mark Messier’s NHL Career with the Edmonton Oilers
Selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the third round of the 1979 NHL Entry Draft, Mark Messier’s career trajectory saw a steady rise in offensive output. Initially not known for his scoring prowess, he consistently improved his numbers, culminating in a 50-goal season in 1981-82. The subsequent season saw him named to the NHL First All-Star Team as a left winger.
A pivotal moment came during the 1984 playoffs when Messier transitioned to the center position. His leadership and performance were instrumental in the Oilers’ comeback victory in the finals, securing the team’s and his first Stanley Cup. This victory marked the beginning of a dynasty, as Messier and the Oilers went on to win four more Stanley Cups in 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990. In 1990, Messier was awarded his first Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s MVP.
Mark Messier’s Tenure with the New York Rangers
Continuing his success, Mark Messier joined the New York Rangers and made an immediate impact. In his first season in 1991, he secured his second Hart Memorial Trophy and led the Rangers to the best record in the NHL. The 1993-94 season saw the team finish first overall once again, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Messier’s leadership was on full display when he famously declared that the Rangers would win the series in six games. True to his word, the team clinched the series in the seventh game in double overtime. Advancing to the Stanley Cup Finals, Messier scored the decisive goal in the seventh game, ending the Rangers’ 54-year Stanley Cup drought. The 1995-96 season was another stellar year for Messier, as he recorded an impressive 99-point season. In his final season with the Rangers in 1996-97, he still managed a solid 84-point season.
Mark Messier’s Time with the Vancouver Canucks
In 1997, Mark Messier returned to Canada to play for the Vancouver Canucks. However, his performance did not match his previous seasons. His first season with the Canucks saw him score 60 points, his lowest since joining the NHL, and the following two seasons were impacted by injuries. Messier became a free agent following the 1999-2000 season.
Mark Messier’s Return to the New York Rangers
Mark Messier returned to the Rangers for the 2000-01 season, showing a slight improvement by scoring 67 points. However, he missed half of the following season due to injury. In 2003, Messier reached second place on the all-time career point scoring list with 1,851 points, behind only Wayne Gretzky. Messier announced his retirement from the NHL in September 2005.
Mark Messier’s International Playing Career
Beyond his NHL career, Mark Messier represented Canada on the international stage. He won a silver medal at the World Ice Hockey Championships in 1989. He also won gold in three consecutive Canada Cups and a silver medal at the World Cup of Hockey in 1996.
Mark Messier’s Post-Playing Career and Endorsements
Since retiring from professional hockey, Mark Messier has engaged in a variety of endeavors. He coached the Canadian national team at the Deutschland Cup and Spengler Cup in 2010. In 2011, he participated in the New York City Marathon. He has also worked as a studio analyst on “NHL on Versus,” a guest commentator on “NHL on NBC,” and a spokesperson for Rogers Communications’ national NHL coverage in Canada. In 2021, he signed a deal with ESPN/ABC to lead NHL studio coverage for the networks.
Mark Messier’s Personal Life and Real Estate
Mark Messier is married to Kim and has three children: sons Lyon and Douglas, and daughter Jacqueline. Lyon, a former hockey defenseman, has played with the South Carolina Stingrays, Charlotte Checkers, and New Mexico Scorpions. Messier owns the Runaway Hill Club hotel on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, which is known for its pink sand beach. His brother, Paul, assists in managing the property. The specific details regarding the purchase price and revenue generated by the hotel are not publicly available. Further details about any other real estate holdings that Mark Messier may possess are also not known.
Mark Messier’s Net Worth Milestones
While specific year-by-year milestones for Mark Messier’s net worth are not publicly documented, it’s reasonable to assume several key inflection points shaped his financial success:
- Early NHL Success (1980s): His initial contracts with the Edmonton Oilers, coupled with Stanley Cup wins, would have begun building a solid financial foundation.
- New York Rangers Contract (1990s): His move to the New York Rangers likely came with a significant salary increase, further boosting his earnings.
- Endorsement Deals (Throughout Career): Endorsements from major brands would have provided a consistent stream of income.
- Post-Retirement Career: His transition to broadcasting and other ventures has ensured continued income generation.
- Investments: Presumably, Mark Messier made smart investments throughout his career that have grown over time.
Mark Messier’s Net Worth: Summary
Mark Messier’s estimated $65 million net worth reflects a successful hockey career and effective post-retirement ventures. From his early NHL days to becoming a TV analyst, each phase has contributed significantly to his financial standing. While specific investment details and endorsement amounts remain private, his career trajectory clearly illustrates how he reached his current financial success.