Biography

Book Harlem Globetrotters through The Keynote Curators.

The Harlem Globetrotters, an American exhibition basketball team, were founded in 1926 by Abe Saperstein in Chicago, Illinois. Originally known as the Savoy Big Five, the team adopted the Harlem Globetrotters name to emphasize their African American heritage. They gained fame for their unique blend of athleticism, comedy, and theater, showcasing impressive basketball skills and entertaining performances.

In their early years, the Globetrotters broke racial barriers by playing against all-white teams during a time of segregation in the United States. Their skill and showmanship earned them international acclaim, and they became goodwill ambassadors, promoting sportsmanship and cultural understanding across the globe.

Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, the Globetrotters played competitive basketball against professional teams, even defeating the Minneapolis Lakers, champions of the National Basketball Association (NBA), in 1948 and 1949. Their success helped pave the way for the integration of the NBA.

The Globetrotters continued to innovate, incorporating more comedic elements and theatrical flair into their performances. They introduced iconic moves such as the “Magic Circle,” ball handling tricks, and their signature “weave” offense, captivating audiences of all ages.

Over the decades, the team expanded its reach, performing in over 123 countries and entertaining more than 148 million fans worldwide. They became cultural icons, appearing in movies, television shows, and cartoons, further solidifying their place in popular culture.

The Harlem Globetrotters have also been committed to philanthropy and community engagement. They have visited schools, hospitals, and military bases, spreading messages of positivity, education, and social justice.

As of today, the Globetrotters continue to tour the world, inspiring new generations with their exceptional basketball skills and entertaining shows. Their legacy endures as a testament to their contributions to sports, entertainment, and global goodwill.

Contact us for Harlem Globetrotters’s fees and availability.

Read More

Videos

Request Availability

Blog Posts

Celebrating Disability Pride Month with Stories That Transform

Celebrate Disability Pride Month by harnessing resilience, inclusive storytelling, and actionable frameworks to redefine possibility and inspire transformation.

Read More

Embrace the Risk: How Creativity Thrives on Experiments

Learn from marketing provocateur Seth Godin why true creativity demands risk-taking, failed experiments, and new systems to drive innovation.

Read More

Voices That Ignite Change: Sustainability and Climate Change Speakers Who Inspire Action

Why These Voices Matter Right Now Why are sustainability and climate change speakers so important right now? Well, picture this: you're sitting at an event, sipping your coffee, when someone steps on stage and starts...

Read More

Unlocking Trust and Loyalty & Build Better Relationships with Barb Betts

Discover Barb Betts’ proven frameworks for turning transactions into trust, loyalty, and driving business growth through authentic relationships.

Read More

Halfway Through 2025? Here’s Your Reset for Unstoppable Momentum

Discover how to reignite your planning and build unstoppable momentum for the rest of 2025 with proven strategies, expert insights, and actionable steps.

Read More

How Setting up Boundaries Creates Space for What Truly Matters

Learn how saying “no” and setting up boundaries can free hours each week, boost focus, and transform your work culture with leadership expert Lisa Bodell.

Read More

Related Speakers