Spectator Sport

When the CBS contract expired in 1949, broadcasting was taken over by ABC and games began to be televised throughout the country until 1951. During this time, the NRDL grossed $2.5 million, with revenue having been bolstered by the Madison Square Garden appearances that blew through previous attendance records.

No More “Phony”

Even though the players wanted to skate “phony” with exaggerated hits and falls, Seltzer denied them, claiming that the public would soon grow bored of the fake drama. He then made it his mission to legitimize Roller Derby, encouraging the formation of junior leagues for kids and getting skaters to agree to a “no railing” rule.