The Canadian team was founded in 1971 as a franchise of the World Hockey Association under the name Alberta Oilers. In 1973, the team was renamed to its current name. After the WHA was dissolved in 1979, the Oilers were admitted to the NHL along with three other teams. The Oilers are one of seven franchises based in Canada and are the northernmost of all teams. The highest-paid player in the NHL, Connor McDavid, plays for the Edmonton Oilers.