Ovechkin vs Crosby: The $155 Million NHL Wealth Duel
Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby stand as titans in the National Hockey League. These two players have defined modern hockey with their legendary careers. They share a fierce rivalry that has captivated fans for nearly two decades. Both men entered the league as first overall draft picks. They have since become the cornerstones of their respective franchises, the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Record-Breaking Careers and Historic Achievements
Ovechkin, known as the "Great 8," has cemented his legacy as the greatest goal scorer in NHL history. He shattered Wayne Gretzky's long-standing record of 894 goals in April 2025. Ovechkin now boasts an incredible 914 career goals. Crosby, often called "Sid the Kid," is widely regarded as the most complete player the league has ever seen. Together, they have accumulated over 3,000 points, multiple Stanley Cup championships, and numerous MVP awards.
Alex Ovechkin's Financial Empire: $80 Million Net Worth
Alex Ovechkin's net worth reached approximately $80 million by 2026. His wealth stems primarily from massive NHL contracts over 21 seasons with the Capitals. According to HockeyZonePlus, Ovechkin has earned nearly $171 million in salary alone. This places him second on the all-time NHL earnings list.
Ovechkin signed a groundbreaking 13-year, $124 million deal in 2008. It was hockey's first contract exceeding $100 million. His current five-year contract is worth $47.5 million. It carries an annual cap hit of $9.5 million and runs through the 2025-26 season. This deal includes $34.5 million in signing bonuses. For the final year, Ovechkin earns a $5 million base salary plus a $4 million signing bonus.
Beyond his playing salary, Ovechkin generates about $5 million yearly from endorsements. He has prominent partnerships with Nike, Upper Deck, and Hublot. His famous Papa John's commercials are well-known to fans. Breaking Gretzky's goal record in 2025 opened new opportunities. Ovechkin then formed deals with Venture Global Energy and licensing partners for "The GR8 Chase" campaign.
The Russian star has also invested in real estate. In 2012, he purchased a mansion in McLean, Virginia, for $4.2 million. The property spans over 11,000 square feet on more than an acre of land. It features seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, a mahogany deck, and a cherry-paneled elevator.
Sidney Crosby's $75 Million Fortune and Team-First Approach
Sidney Crosby's net worth stands at an estimated $75 million as of 2026. He built his fortune entirely through 20 seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby has earned $165.7 million in NHL salary, ranking third all-time. In June 2021, he surpassed Jaromir Jagr to become the highest-paid player in league history at that time, with $129 million in career earnings.
Crosby's current contract is a two-year, $17.4 million extension. It carries an annual cap hit of $8.7 million through the 2026-27 season. The deal includes modest base salaries but substantial signing bonuses. The $8.7 million figure is a tribute to his birthday (8/7/87) and jersey number. Crosby has maintained this exact cap hit across three consecutive contracts spanning 19 years. He consistently left money on the table to help Pittsburgh maintain roster flexibility.
His endorsement strategy focuses on selective, high-quality partnerships. Major deals include Adidas, Tim Hortons, Gatorade (PepsiCo), and Bell Telecommunications. Crosby signed his first significant endorsement at age 16 with Gatorade for $300,000. In 2010, he inked a landmark deal with Reebok worth $1.4 million annually. It was the most lucrative brand endorsement ever for an NHL player at that time. He later signed a six-year contract with Adidas, estimated to generate millions annually.
The $5 Million Difference: Business Savvy vs. Team Loyalty
Ovechkin holds a slight financial edge over Crosby. The $5 million net worth difference reflects their distinct approaches. Ovechkin has maximized earnings through lucrative contracts and diverse endorsements. Crosby prioritized team-friendly deals to support the Penguins' competitiveness.
Their career earnings show a similar $5 million gap. Ovechkin earned approximately $170.7 million in salary compared to Crosby's $165.7 million. Ovechkin also likely outearns Crosby in annual endorsement income. Both players demonstrate remarkable business acumen in different ways.
Ultimately, Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby will retire as two of the wealthiest players in NHL history. Their financial success mirrors their on-ice dominance. The rivalry extends beyond goals and assists into the realm of multi-million dollar empires. Fans will debate their legacies for generations, both in sport and in business.
