By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters hope to score a slam dunk in licensing, having signed IMG as its exclusive agency.
The Globetrotters combine comedy and extreme athleticism in a style of play that has never been matched. The team, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, originated a dazzling style of play that heavily influenced current tactics in the NBA. That combination of belly laughs and mind-blowing basketball skills have made the Globetrotters an enduring and widely loved brand in the United States and far beyond.
Keith Dawkins, president of the Harlem Globetrotters and Herschend Entertainment Studios, joined IMG licensing president Bruno Maglione in announcing their respective ‘teams’ will join forces on a new consumer product campaign.
“I can’t count the number of “firsts” that have marked the history of the Harlem Globetrotters, not least of which their dazzling style of play which anticipated by many years the dynamism we see from the best players in the modern NBA,” said Maglione. “From the largest attendance ever at a basketball game, to iconic players like Wilt Chamberlain, to being the only team ever admitted to the Basketball Hall of Fame, the richness of their legacy is unparalleled and more relevant than ever.
“We will be looking both forward and back as we celebrate the story of this legendary franchise with products and brand partners.”
The Harlem Globetrotters were the pioneers in fusing sport with entertainment, and Dawkins says the organization occupies a unique and special space in the American sports and entertainment landscape, as well as in the history of African-American integration into mainstream US professional sports.
By the time the NBA began signing Black players in 1950, the Globetrotters had been touring in the United States for some 25 years. Notably, in 1948 and 1949 the Globetrotters stunned the public by beating the then-world-champion Minneapolis Lakers in both years in real games, proving that in addition to their crowd-pleasing theatrics, they were seriously talented basketball players who could compete and win against the best teams in the world.
“The Harlem Globetrotters continue to lead and redefine global basketball culture. With their athleticism, exceptional skills, unique brand of humor, and their ability to connect with cultures around the globe they’ve inspired millions and ushered in an irreplicable brand of sports entertainment that’s beloved by all,” said Dawkins. “As we approach our 100–year anniversary in 2026, our partnership with IMG will be instrumental in deepening our connection with fans, new and old, around the world.”
Recognized by the United Nations in 1951 as “ambassadors of extraordinary goodwill,” the Harlem Globetrotters have been spreading its positive message throughout its legendary 98-year history. Today, the organization tours the world, playing more than 200 games domestically throughout North America and over 150 games internationally, including in Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Australia.
Under the new agreement, IMG will draw inspiration from the legendary team’s history and iconic brand identity to develop a wide range of products and experiences from toys, collectibles and memorabilia, to publishing and video games. As well, IMG will be seeking an official outfitter and footwear partner to carry the Harlem Globetrotters into their next century.
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