Bruce McNall

Bruce McNall is an American former sports executive and entrepreneur best known as the former owner of the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League.

Bruce McNall is an American former sports executive and entrepreneur best known as the former owner of the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League. He helped facilitate the 1988 trade that brought Wayne Gretzky to Los Angeles and later served as chairman of the NHL Board of Governors. He was convicted of fraud-related charges in the 1990s and served prison time.

Early life and business career

McNall was born in 1950 in Arcadia, California, and built a career as a coin dealer, movie financier, and sports owner. His business interests expanded into professional hockey, football, and other ventures.

Los Angeles Kings ownership

McNall bought into the Los Angeles Kings in the mid-1980s and became the team’s sole owner in 1988. His ownership period is most remembered for transforming the club’s profile and popularity in Southern California.

Wayne Gretzky trade and NHL influence

McNall played a central role in the 1988 trade that brought Wayne Gretzky to Los Angeles, one of the most famous transactions in NHL history. He later became chairman of the NHL Board of Governors and was involved in league leadership decisions.

Fraud case and imprisonment

McNall’s business empire collapsed after federal investigations into bank fraud and related offenses. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges and was sentenced to prison in 1997.

Later life

After his release, McNall remained a well-known figure in hockey history and has been profiled in books and interviews about his rise and fall. His legacy is usually discussed in connection with both the Gretzky trade and his criminal convictions.