Tag Archives: globetrotters

Harlem Globetrotters, Stria Sport Announce Official Footwear Partnership For 2026 Centennial Season

The world-famous, Harlem Globetrotters™ and Stria Sport, a performance shoe and apparel brand based in Chicago, today announced a joint partnership making Stria Sport the official performance shoe for the 2026 Centennial season. Stria Sport will be outfitting game and performance shoes for the Harlem Globetrotters and Washington Generals beginning with a special event at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, December 14.

“Stria is a disruptive, grassroots sneaker brand, globally distributed, outfitting top tier athletes from the NBA to the Olympics to pro hoops leagues around the world. They are an exciting new partner as we begin our Centennial season,” said Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios. “A few of our players had been wearing Stria sneakers, loved the product, and had a relationship with Eric Porter and his team. I connected with those players to get their thoughts on a potentially bigger partnership, as getting feedback from our athletes is a crucial part of many aspects of our business, and here we are with a great fit for both organizations.”

“We are extremely excited to officially launch our partnership with the world-renowned Harlem Globetrotters for their upcoming 100th anniversary season,” said Eric Porter, Stria Sport founder. “Our goal has always been to design the highest-performing shoes that can help athletes around the world succeed at the peaks of their careers. We are inspired, humbled and motivated to contribute to the next phase of the Globetrotters legacy and their commitment to excellence on the court and in the community.”

Athletes will wear Stria Sport footwear during all official Global Tour games, ensuring strong brand visibility across hundreds of domestic and international appearances. Stria will be featured through in-game promotions across the tour. The footwear will also be showcased in all media moments, appearances, and CSR activations.

The full 100th Anniversary Tour will continue onwards with Boston and Pittsburgh on Friday, December 26th and continue the roll out across 200+ domestic markets and over 125+ markets internationally. Fans can also expect all-new surprises like the Golden Basketball by Spalding®, epic pre-game Magic Pass experiences, 100 Year limited edition merchandise and many other new innovations for the “Ambassadors of Basketball.” International markets such as France, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Mexico, and across Asia are just a few of the many locations the Harlem Globetrotters will be touring in winter of 2026 and running through the remainder of the year.

Harlem Globetrotters, EQL Games Announce Lottery Program Partnership For The 2026 Centennial Season

The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters and lottery vendor EQL Games today formally announced a joint partnership to identify and launch state lottery games across the country in celebration of the organization’s centennial season. The program, the first-ever lottery series connected to the Globetrotters brand, will officially begin in December with a scratch ticket released by the Maryland Lottery.

The Globetrotters Centennial season will officially tip off with a special event at Madison Square Garden on December 14.

“The growth of casual gaming continues to be a key engagement point for consumers and we are proud to be able to use this partnership with EQL Games to have our brand story in front of millions of consumers who might not be our traditional fanbase,” said Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios. “This is yet another great example of the fun and unique ways the organization will grow our areas of consumer engagement as our Centennial season tips off.”

“The 2026 season marks 100 years of the Globetrotters being synonymous with fun and entertainment, two of the biggest reasons people play the lottery,” said Brad Cummings, CEO of EQL Games. “We are honored to kick off this partnership with the Maryland Lottery, and we are looking forward to expanding it to other lotteries in the coming months. Players will have the best of both worlds – a chance to win money and the opportunity to see the Globetrotters.”

Released on the eve of the team’s 100th year celebration in 2026, the new $2 Maryland tickets feature vintage Harlem Globetrotters designs, including the iconic basketball spinning on a finger, and the chance to win prizes, both instantly and through a second-chance promotion. Similar programs are in discussion with other states and will be announced in the coming months.

The full 100th Anniversary Tour will continue onwards with Boston and Pittsburgh on Friday, December 26th and continue the roll out across 200+ domestic markets and over 125+ markets internationally. Fans can also expect all-new surprises like the Golden Basketball by Spalding®, epic pre-game Magic Pass experiences, 100 Year limited edition merchandise and many other new innovations for the “Ambassadors of Basketball.” International markets such as France, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Mexico, and across Asia are just a few of the many locations the Harlem Globetrotters will be touring in winter of 2026 and running through the remainder of the year.

Harlem Globetrotters Tap cllct To Bring 100 Years Of Basketball Greatness To Life Through Collectible Culture

Leaders in breaking barriers and making history, the world-famous, Harlem Globetrotters™ and cllct, the culture-first collectibles company, together announce a new partnership in advance of the Globetrotters’ 100th anniversary season. The collaboration launches a season-long journey through basketball history, wrapped in storytelling, nostalgia, and exclusive collectible drops that bridge generations. The official tip off of the Globetrotters Centennial season will be on Sunday, December 14th at Madison Square Garden, with the remaining tour schedule to be announced in September.

The first collaboration to drop is the 100th Anniversary Uniform Reveal with a one-of-a-kind commemorative mini jersey. The high-quality, serialized miniature jersey (12”-18”) replica of the 100th anniversary uniform, designed with an autograph-friendly space, comes in its own custom retail packaging and includes post-game autograph rights. 

“As we celebrate 100 years of defining basketball and sport greatness, we wanted a partner who could help us tap into what we really are, a global cultural movement,” said Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios. “cllct brings a fresh approach to the collectibles space through custom product development and storytelling that’s smart, strategic and deeply connected to how audiences consume and collect culture. This is about honoring our legacy in a way that feels just as original as the day we started.”

From game-worn artifacts to never-before-seen content and fan-first experiences, the collaboration will spotlight the cultural moments, legendary players, and global impact that made the Globetrotters an icon, not just in basketball, but across music, film, television, and fashion. It’s all coming to life in a format built for today’s fan: collectible, ownable, and unforgettable.

“Collectibles are storytelling in physical form,” said Darren Rovell, founder. “The Globetrotters are one of the few sports brands that transcended the game and became a global cultural force. We’re proud to help celebrate that by giving fans the chance to hear those stories, collect real moments, real history, and real emotion in ways that speak to today’s culture.”

At the heart of the partnership is collectible culture – a booming movement redefining how fans connect with history. For a brand like the Globetrotters – whose story is packed with social impact, trailblazing performances, and generational influence, there’s never been a better moment to remix the past into the now.  

Throughout the season, fans will be able to access a curated stream of limited-edition collectibles tied to major milestone occasions, tour stops, iconic players, and untold stories, both physical and digital, both nostalgic and never-before-seen. Each drop will serve as a time capsule, letting fans relive a moment or discover one for the first time.

This is 100 years of innovation, showmanship, and cultural power completely reimagined for a new generation.

Ten Finalists Named in Harlem Globetrotters’ 2025 Court of Creativity Contest Presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs

The Harlem Globetrotters and Jersey Mike’s Subs have announced the ten national finalists in the third annual Court of Creativity contest – a nationwide competition that challenges K–5 students to channel their imagination through basketball-themed projects inspired by the legendary Globetrotters.

Each finalist school will receive a $1,000 cash prize from Jersey Mike’s to support future creative programming. One grand prize winner will also earn a catered lunch from Jersey Mike’s and an in-school visit from the Harlem Globetrotters later this school year.

This year’s ten standout submissions include custom jersey designs, literacy-driven videos, full-scale performances, STEM activities, and more – all highlighting themes of teamwork, perseverance, and creativity. Finalists include:

  • Alpha School (Jackson, NJ) – Used basketballs and paint to create collaborative artwork as part of a sensory-integrated “Athletic Arts” program for students with multiple disabilities.

  • Berea Elementary (Berea, SC) – Designed cultural jerseys, studied force and energy in science, and performed freestyle basketball skills in PE class.

  • Calvin Public School (Calvin, OK) – Created a March Madness-inspired math and spelling video that turned academic learning into a basketball game.

  • Columbia Elementary (Mount Vernon, OH) – Merged PBIS rewards with basketball challenges and community engagement, including a Jersey Mike’s-themed bingo celebration.

  • Everson Elementary (Everson, WA) – Produced a schoolwide video starring “Dribble McDunkerson,” a basketball on a journey of self-discovery and trick shots.

  • Lincoln Elementary (Vancouver, WA) – Developed a scripted video featuring their school mascot learning to play basketball, with support from every grade.

  • Sandhill Elementary (Stoughton, WI) – Led a March Madness-inspired PE unit across all grade levels, culminating in a trick-shot-filled video.

  • Shreve Elementary (Shreve, OH) – Celebrated literacy with a student-led video linking reading, research, and basketball in an imaginative classroom setting.

  • South Lebanon Elementary (South Lebanon, PA) – Engaged second graders in basketball-themed STEM challenges, creative writing, and history lessons throughout March.

  • Twin Oak Elementary (Mount Vernon, OH) – Created a schoolwide March Madness event assigning every student a team role—from Equipment Manager to Jersey Designer—celebrating multiple skill sets.

“Each year, the creativity and school pride in these projects is amazing to witness,” said Rich Hope, Chief Marketing Officer at Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, LLC. “The Court of Creativity is about more than just basketball—it’s about inspiring students to express themselves and work together. Congratulations to all the schools that participated.”

The contest was open to public, private, and vocational elementary schools with grades K–5 across the U.S. and remains a platform for promoting creativity, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement among young students.

NCAA Champion And WNBA Draftee, Alexis Morris Signs With The Harlem Globetrotters

The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, synonymous with basketball excellence and global entertainment, today announced the signing of former Louisiana State University (LSU) star and WNBA draftee, Alexis Morris to the Harlem Globetrotters, it was announced today by Keith Dawkins, President of Harlem Globetrotters and Herschend Entertainment Studios. Morris becomes the seventh current woman to join the organization, the most in the organization’s storied history, as they will celebrate their centennial in 2026.

“The Harlem Globetrotters have a storied history of signing some of the world’s most accomplished and coveted talent; Wilt Chamberlain, Connie Hawkins, “Curley” Neal, Lou Dunbar, Lynette Woodard and now, Alexis Morris,” said Dawkins. “As the global basketball landscape continues to evolve the Globetrotters are well positioned to offer unparalleled opportunities for professional basketball players looking to develop, and showcase, their amazing skills, make a positive impact in the community, while also benefitting from the plethora of business opportunities that our brand has to offer them. It’s an opportunity unlike any in sports. Signing Alexis reflects our commitment to pursuing the best ballers from around the world.”

Morris, who has begun her Harlem Globetrotters training and will be joining the domestic arm of the 2024 Tour, will take to the court for the first time as a Harlem Globetrotter on Friday, February 9, 2024 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, the birthplace of basketball and The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Her extensive and rigorous schedule will also include stops at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, on Sunday, February 18 and Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, NY, on Saturday, February 24.

Morris, known for her exceptional ball-handling and court vision, will take the court with her self-titled moniker, Alexis ‘The Show’ Morris alongside her elite teammates. The Texas native was selected in the second round of the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun and is currently a free agent.  She returned to North America after starting the current season in Turkey with Ilkem Yapi Tarsus of the Turkish women’s Super League. Alexis is believed to be the first athlete to join the Harlem Globetrotters while also entertaining elite professional offers since Connie Hawkins, who played for the team and went on to a Hall of Fame Career with the Phoenix Suns.   
 
“I’m excited to join the Harlem Globetrotters and want to thank the leadership team for giving me an opportunity to grow my personal and professional career while playing the game I love,” said Morris. “There is a lot to learn from my coaches and teammates and I’m excited to highlight the level of basketball and entertainment of the organization. ‘The Show’ is now a part of the growing legacy of Harlem Globetrotters basketball.”

She will join the six women athletes who make up the Harlem Globetrotters and the Washington Generals this winter, including Fatima, ‘TNT’ Lister, Cherelle ‘Torch’ George, Arysia ‘Ace’ Porter, Kaylin ‘Sunshine’ West, Eryka ‘Spice’ Sidney, and Kayla Gabor. She also joins. nine other rookies who joined the 2024 World Tour this season. Fans can expect exclusive content of her time with the team through “My Rookie Season” on Harlem Globetrotters Youtube channel.
Morris, a dynamic point guard and a top scorer on LSU’s 2023 National Championship team, brings a stellar blend of skill, athleticism, and showmanship to the iconic Harlem Globetrotters. Her electrifying style of play and passion for the game align with the team’s commitment to delivering unparalleled entertainment to audiences worldwide.

The Harlem Globetrotters’ rich legacy of combining sportsmanship and entertainment, continue to attract top-tier athletes who embrace the joy of basketball. Follow the Harlem Globetrotters on social media for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and more team updates as they travel the world.