August 9, 1977 – The National Hockey League voted to refuse a merger of six World Hockey Association franchises. The NHL President John Ziegler reported that the NHL owners at the time rejected an offer to expand the League by absorbing 6 teams from the WHA.
These 6 squads were the Edmonton Oilers, New England Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, Cincinnati Stingers, Houston Aeros, and the Winnipeg Jets. Almost a year later the NHL decided to accept the merger on June 22, 1979, thus ending the existence of the WHA.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
New York Yankees Betting Odds: Trends Shaping the 2026 Season
The New York Yankees enter the 2026 season with familiar expectations and renewed urgency.
The Escape from New York for Hall of Famers During the 1970s
There was a semi-famous movie that came out in 1981 starring Kurt Russell and
The Collector’s Market for Historic Sporting Firearms
Not every antique firearm carries the same weight in the collector market. Historic sporting
The History of Sports Winning: How Bookmakers and Canadian Online Casino Rewards Moved to Instant Payout Transactions
Before online sportsbooks and digital wallets, collecting winnings required patience. Betting was tied to
The Most Profitable Sports for Bettors Lately
Decisions in sports betting today rely less on gut feeling, more on numbers. Looking
The History of Sports Betting and How It Became a Multibillion-Dollar Industry
Ancient Greeks placed wagers on athletes competing at Olympia. That is the oldest recorded
What Makes the Masters Unique to the Other Golf Majors?
Every year, golf’s biggest names gather in Georgia for the most recognisable tournament in
The Nesser Brothers: Pro Football’s Forgotten Pioneers
Back in the prehistoric days of professional football, a family of rugged, tough as