World Hockey Association

sports league

Also known as: WHA

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Last updated

July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

The World Hockey Association (WHA) was a professional ice hockey league that operated from 1972 to 1979. It was formed as a rival to the established National Hockey League (NHL). The WHA's existence led to increased competition and a rise in player salaries across professional hockey. In 1979, the WHA merged with the NHL, with four of its teams joining the established league, expanding the NHL to 21 teams at the time.12

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Edmonton Oilers
Wayne Gretzky era
…the original franchises of the World Hockey Association (WHA), a North American professional hockey league that was established as a competitor of the NHL. In 1978 the Oilers acquired Gretzky from the financially struggling Indianapolis Racers, laying the foundation for the Oilers’ dominance in the 1980s. The Oilers were one…
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…the original franchises of the World Hockey Association (WHA), a North American professional hockey league that was established as a competitor of the NHL. In 1978 the Oilers acquired Gretzky from the financially struggling Indianapolis Racers, laying the foundation for the Oilers’ dominance in the 1980s. The Oilers were one…
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ice hockey
National Hockey League
A new 12-team league, the World Hockey Association (WHA), was formed in 1972, and the ensuing rivalry caused an escalation in players’ salaries. In 1979 the NHL, which had grown to 17 teams, merged with the WHA to become a 21-team league. By 2017, 31 teams played in the NHL.…
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A new 12-team league, the World Hockey Association (WHA), was formed in 1972, and the ensuing rivalry caused an escalation in players’ salaries. In 1979 the NHL, which had grown to 17 teams, merged with the WHA to become a 21-team league. By 2017, 31 teams played in the NHL.…
Read More

Carolina Hurricanes
…a member of the upstart World Hockey Association (WHA). The Whalers’ most notable moment in those early years was the signing of 49-year-old hockey legend Gordie Howe in 1977 to play alongside his two sons for three seasons until his retirement in 1980. When the WHA’s financial struggles forced it…
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…a member of the upstart World Hockey Association (WHA). The Whalers’ most notable moment in those early years was the signing of 49-year-old hockey legend Gordie Howe in 1977 to play alongside his two sons for three seasons until his retirement in 1980. When the WHA’s financial struggles forced it…
Read More