After CBS lost the American television rights of the National Hockey League to NBC following the 1971-72 season (CBS was paying less than $2 million a year and NBC jumped to $5.3 million[1]), the network covered[2] the inaugural season of the World Hockey Association.[3] The WHA's TV deal[4][5] permitted it to sell week‐night games to other networks (CBS meanwhile, would show games on Sunday afternoons in addition the all-star game and playoffs[6]). In addition, the WHA also sold a $3‐million package to Canada.
On January 7, 1973, CBS aired its first WHA game between the Minnesota Fighting Saints and Winnipeg Jets live from the new St. Paul Civic Center with Ron Oakes, Gerry Cheevers and Dick Stockton announcing. Don Chevrier would also provide play-by-play for CBS[7] come the 1973 playoffs. CBS' contract[8] with the WHA overall, called for the network to broadcast a maximum of 10 games during the 1972–73 and 1973–74 seasons and a bigger slate of games for the 1974–75 and 1975–76 seasons.
- ^ Craig, Jack. "NHL finds NBC coverage more to its liking".
- ^ Duncan, Stephen (April 7, 1973). "The Financial Post - Page 11". The Financial Post. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Jonathan Lucas (2007). First, Fourth and Last. Trafford Publishing. p. 60. ISBN 9781425111311.
- ^ Eskenazi, Gerald (October 27, 1972). "Raiders Win, 7-6". The New York Times.
- ^ "Cbs Will Televise Wha. - Page 22". The Montreal Gazette. October 27, 1972. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ "Looking Back At The WHA". NHL.com. November 21, 2005.
- ^ McDonald, L. Ian (April 23, 1973). "Networks Desert Usual Easter Fare. With A Five Part ... - Page 20". The Montreal Gazette. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ Duncan, Stephen (April 7, 1973). "The Financial Post - Page 11". The Financial Post. Retrieved June 14, 2024.