What Happened to Harlem Globetrotters?
The Harlem Globetrotters are an iconic American exhibition basketball team founded in 1926, renowned for blending athleticism, theater, entertainment, and comedy. They have evolved from a competitive team that broke racial barriers to global ambassadors of goodwill, continuously touring worldwide and celebrating their centennial in 2026.
Quick Answer
The Harlem Globetrotters are very much active and are currently celebrating their 100th anniversary with a global "100 Year Tour" throughout 2026. They continue to entertain millions worldwide with their unique blend of basketball skills, comedic routines, and fan engagement, serving as cultural ambassadors. The team, owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, recently unveiled a new rookie class and continues to innovate with new show elements and media presence.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Team Founded by Abe Saperstein
Abe Saperstein founded the team in Chicago, initially as the Savoy Big Five, to showcase Black American basketball talent.
Renamed Harlem Globetrotters
Saperstein renamed the team the 'New York Harlem Globe Trotters,' later shortened, to evoke Black culture and global travel.
Won World Professional Basketball Tournament
The Globetrotters won their first World Basketball Championship, defeating the Chicago Bruins, demonstrating their competitive prowess.
Defeated NBA World Champions
The team made headlines by twice defeating the World Champion Minneapolis Lakers of the NBA, proving the talent of Black players.
Coined 'Ambassadors of Goodwill'
Following a trip to Berlin, the U.S. State Department officially named the team 'ambassadors of extraordinary goodwill' for their cultural impact.
Lynette Woodard Joins as First Female Player
Lynette Woodard, a former Olympian, broke gender barriers by becoming the first woman to play for the Harlem Globetrotters.
Mannie Jackson Purchases the Team
Former Globetrotter player Mannie Jackson purchased the team from International Broadcasting Corporation, saving it from bankruptcy and revitalizing the brand.
Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
The Harlem Globetrotters were enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing their significant contributions to basketball.
Acquired by Herschend Family Entertainment
Herschend Family Entertainment, the largest family-owned themed attractions company, acquired the Globetrotters from Shamrock Holdings.
Petitioned to Join the NBA
The Globetrotters filed a petition to join the National Basketball Association as an expansion franchise, citing their historical influence on the sport.
Announced 2025 World Tour
The Harlem Globetrotters announced their 2025 World Tour, presented by Jersey Mike's Subs, featuring new challenges and fan engagement.
Hosted First-Ever Open Player Tryouts
Ahead of their centennial season, the Globetrotters announced and hosted their first-ever open tryouts to select new athletes.
Unveiled 2026 Rookie Class and 100 Year Tour Details
The team announced one of its largest groups of new athletes (six men, four women) and detailed plans for the "100 Year Tour" Centennial Celebration, including new jerseys and fan experiences.
Ongoing 100 Year Tour
As of today, the Harlem Globetrotters are actively touring globally as part of their "100 Year Tour" Centennial Celebration, with scheduled stops in the US and internationally through the remainder of the year.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Harlem Globetrotters originated in 1926 as the Savoy Big Five in Chicago, founded by Abe Saperstein. Initially, they were a serious competitive team, playing exhibition games before dances. Saperstein soon renamed them the "New York Harlem Globe Trotters" in 1929, choosing "Harlem" to associate with Black American culture and "Globetrotter" to imply international travel. The team quickly gained fame for showcasing Black talent during a time of heavy racial segregation in sports, becoming pioneers in popularizing elements like the slam dunk and fast break.
Their transition from a purely competitive team to one incorporating comedic routines began in the 1930s with players like Inman Jackson. A significant turning point came in the late 1940s when they twice defeated the NBA World Champion Minneapolis Lakers, demonstrating that African-American players could compete at the highest levels. This success, combined with their entertaining style, solidified their global appeal. In 1951, the U.S. State Department coined them "Ambassadors of Goodwill" for their role in cultural diplomacy, a moniker they still embrace today, extending their reach to over 124 countries.
Ownership of the Globetrotters has changed several times since Saperstein's death in 1966. After stints with Metromedia and International Broadcasting Corp., former Globetrotter player Mannie Jackson purchased the team in 1993, rescuing it from near bankruptcy and significantly growing its revenue and size. In 2005, Shamrock Holdings, led by Roy E. Disney, acquired an 80% stake, aiming to expand merchandising and revenue streams. By October 2013, Herschend Family Entertainment, a themed attractions company, acquired the Globetrotters, marking a strategic expansion into new media and audiences.
In recent years, the Globetrotters have continued their global tours, maintaining their blend of athleticism and entertainment. In June 2021, they filed a petition to join the National Basketball Association (NBA) as an expansion franchise, highlighting their historical impact on the sport. As of March 14, 2026, the Harlem Globetrotters are in the midst of their "100 Year Tour," a centennial celebration that began in late 2025 and continues throughout 2026. This tour features new surprises, including a Golden Basketball by Spalding, enhanced pre-game experiences, and new 100-year jerseys. They also unveiled a 2026 rookie class, including both men and women, and continue their media presence with their Emmy-nominated NBC series "Harlem Globetrotters: Play it Forward."
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Harlem Globetrotters made different choices?