Harlem Globetrotters Bring Their Iconic Brand of Basketball to American Dream

The Harlem Globetrotters, renowned for their dynamic athleticism, unique skills, and historical influence on the modern game of basketball, are set to captivate audiences once again. In a groundbreaking partnership with Gray Media, the Globetrotters will bring their legendary global tour to the live broadcast of a game from their historic sports residency at American Dream in New Jersey on August 18, 2024.

Revitalizing the Globetrotters' Legacy for a New Generation

Reviving the Globetrotters' TV Presence

The upcoming broadcast marks a significant milestone for the Harlem Globetrotters, as it has been over 40 years since audiences have seen the team live on television. This partnership with Gray Media, a leading multimedia company, aims to revitalize the Globetrotters' brand and introduce their iconic style of basketball to an entirely new generation of fans."Our history-making residency continues to attract partners who want to help amplify the moment," said Keith Dawkins, President of the Harlem Globetrotters and Herschend Entertainment Studios. "We are thankful that Gray Media is helping us revitalize our brand for an entirely new generation."

Leveraging Raycom Sports' Expertise

The broadcast will be produced by Gray's Raycom Sports, a national leader in sports production and syndication with deep roots in college basketball, football, and professional sports. Raycom Sports' extensive experience in covering a wide range of sports events will ensure a high-quality and engaging broadcast for viewers."We're fired up to work with the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters!" said Raycom Sports CEO Hunter Nickell. "Over the last 45 years, we've produced over 10,000 events, including college basketball, football, NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLS games. Now, we're honored to showcase the Globetrotters on Gray stations across the country."

Expanding the Globetrotters' Reach

The live broadcast will be aired on local television stations owned by Gray, including Peachtree TV (WPCH) in Atlanta, and more than ninety other markets. This widespread distribution will allow the Harlem Globetrotters to reach a vast audience and introduce their unique brand of basketball to new fans across the country.Peachtree TV, which has served the Atlanta market since 1967, will be one of the key stations showcasing the Globetrotters' game. The station's Peachtree Sports Network, launched in October 2023, focuses on live, local sports programming throughout the year, making it an ideal platform for the Globetrotters' broadcast.

Harnessing the Globetrotters' Legacy

The Harlem Globetrotters have a rich history that has made them an iconic part of the basketball landscape. Since 1926, the team, proud members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, have used their legendary global tour to showcase their unique brand of basketball to millions of fans around the world."The Globetrotters are THE originators of basketball style; captured by their dynamic athleticism, unique skill, and historical influence on the modern game of basketball," the article states. This legacy, combined with the team's commitment to being "Ambassadors of Goodwill," as coined by the U.S. State Department in 1951, has made the Globetrotters a beloved and respected brand.

Expanding the Globetrotters' Multimedia Presence

The Harlem Globetrotters have been expanding their multimedia presence in recent years, with the launch of their Emmy-nominated NBC series "Harlem Globetrotters: Play it Forward," which also airs on Telemundo as "Harlem Globetrotters: Ganando Con La Comunidad." This partnership with Gray Media further solidifies the team's commitment to reaching a wider audience and showcasing their iconic brand of basketball.The Globetrotters have also forged partnerships with various content creators, consumer brands, and sports organizations, including Hidden Pictures, Atmosphere TV, Hearts Media Production Group, Sprayground, Undercrwn, Macy's, Hybrid, Jersey Mike's, Spalding, Viral Nation, Hoopculture, and Citi. These collaborations have allowed the team to amplify their message and engage with fans in new and innovative ways.

Driving Corporate Social Responsibility

The Harlem Globetrotters' legacy extends beyond the basketball court, as the team has been actively involved in various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Leveraging their "Ambassadors of Goodwill" moniker, the Globetrotters have focused on driving efforts around their strategic pillars of Health & Wellness, Education, and Community Empowerment.These CSR initiatives have led to partnerships with organizations such as Microsoft, the U.S. State Department Sports Diplomacy, The National Archives, 'Great Assist' in partnership with Jersey Mike's Subs, Campus Multimedia Court of Creativity, and Comic Relief Red Nose Day. Through these collaborations, the Globetrotters have been able to make a positive impact on communities around the world.