The game of basketball was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, and it has become one of the big four sports in the United States as well as a global phenomenon all its own. Aside from Naismith himself, there’s no other institution that has done more for the game and for longer than the Harlem Globetrotters.
Since 1926, the Globetrotters have literally lived up to their name; traveling the world and showcasing their unique combination of talent, skill, entertainment, and inspiration for millions of fans in 124 countries and territories, a Guinness world record.
Globetrotters President Keith Dawkins has been able to witness the magic of a Globetrotters game both professionally and personally. He is still as much a fan of the team now, as they celebrate 100 years as a franchise, as he was during his childhood.
Dawkins recalled, “When you turned on the TV to watch Wide World of Sports, the Globetrotters were there. To see their wizardry and ball-handling and how they introduced the red, white, and blue ball or the hook shot or granny shot was amazing to watch. My love of sports started with the Globetrotters.”
How Did the Harlem Globetrotters Transform Professional Basketball?
The Globetrotters were founded by Abe Saperstein, who also served as their first head coach. Saperstein is credited as a key figure in supporting black basketball and baseball before the sports were integrated years later. The Globetrotters traveled for the first time one year later and were competing with other teams throughout the 1920’s and 30’s. Even though they still entertained crowds, they also competed as a serious team. By 1940, they won their first world championship, before the NBA became a league.
Even after the NBA started, the Globetrotters proved themselves by facing and beating the then champion Minneapolis Lakers. By 1950, Globetrotter Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton became the first black player to sign an NBA contract when he joined the New York Knicks.
Historians argue that the Globetrotters’ victories helped prove that black players deserved to be showcased in the major sporting leagues. Dawkins attested that the impact went beyond the court.
“It was culturally uplifting for kids like me to see them play and succeed.”
Throughout the decades, they traveled the world and other stars of the games wanted to be a part of the Globetrotters experience. Legends such as Wilt Chamberlain, Connie Hawkins, and Magic Johnson have all donned the red, white, and blue uniforms in their careers. Both player and team benefited from those connections, but most importantly, it also served the fans that watched.
While Chamberlain’s, Hawkins’ and Johnson’s time with the Globetrotters made headlines, it was not as significant as when Lynette Woodard suited up for them in 1985. Woodard became the first woman to play on a men’s professional team and was the first women’s basketball star that many fans became aware of. Other female stars later joined and proved themselves as well, and the door for other women to join men’s teams were opened, including for the great Nancy Lieberman. All of this could be a direct connection to the formation of the WNBA. In 2026, there are four women on the team who are inspiring little girls across the globe. Dawkins confirmed that decisions like those are calculated and truly are for the betterment for the team, sport, and fans.”
“It’s not a trend for us, it’s just a real part of our business and so that’s something that we continue to do as well.”
There are aspects of today’s game that can be directly connected to the Globetrotters, such as the celebrations, ball-handling, and how players interact with courtside fans. Other tours such as the And1 Mixtape Tour and trick shot influencers like Dude Perfect all owe a debt of gratitude to this legendary team from Harlem because they were doing it first and still do it today.
You can even catch a Globetrotters reference in other sports like football when Patrick Mahomes pulls off an incredible throw or when a receiver makes a near impossible catch. That’s because the fans and viewers understand the reference and connection.
Dawkins added, “The Globetrotters were the fusion of pop culture, celebrity, fashion, style, and music into sport play long before the other teams were doing it.”
Who Is Joining the Harlem Globetrotters in the ISHOF Class of 2026?
Once again, the Globetrotters will make history in 2026 by their future induction into the International Sports Hall of Fame. Other basketball members of the ISHOF include Lieberman and Earl “The Pearl” Monroe. The Globetrotters will be the first organization to be recognized in this manner when they join Dexter Jackson, Vitomir Maričić, Forrest Griffin, and Garry Kasparov in this year’s class. Vice President of the ISHOF Fairfax Hackley felt it is important that the entire organization be recognized, not only players.
Hackley said, “President Dawkins will be accepting on behalf of the Globetrotters, but we want everyone that has ever been a part of the Globetrotters in their 100-year-history, including players and those who worked for them in any way, to know that they are all Hall of Famers.”
Dawkins felt that the Globetrotters being included into this year’s class during their centennial is a privilege that he is proud of.
“It’s an honor,” Dawkins said. “It’s wonderful that they recognize the impact and love that the Globetrotters bring to the table year in and year out for 100 years.”
The Globetrotters have already started focusing on their next century of moments, laughs, and joy and are planning out their next world tour. Generations of fans still share their memories of watching the Globetrotters play, and Dawkins invites new fans who want to experience a Globetrotters game to see why they have become a part of Americana and embraced by the world.
Dawkins concluded, “It’s wonderful that people just recognize, respect, and love what the Globetrotters bring to the table every day, year in and year out, for 100 years, right? It is really just bringing kind of like joy, love, hope, possibilities, humor, bringing families together across planet Earth all through sports. And that’s pretty awesome when you think about the power of sport to do that work. So, it’s truly an honor.”
When and Where Is the Harlem Globetrotters 2026 ISHOF Induction Ceremony?
The 2026 International Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place September 26th at the Palms Casino Resort Grand Ballroom in Las Vegas, Nevada as a part of the 2026 Olympia Weekend. It is set for 12:30 PM Pacific time and is open to the public. For more information, visit the ISHOF website.
You can follow the Globetrotters @harlemglobetrotters and learn more about them and their world tour on their website.