Historically, the Harlem Globetrotters allowed Black basketball players the opportunity to show their true talent when they were not allowed to shine on White teams.
MILWAUKEE – Not for Release Until August 21, 2026 – This morning, to celebrate theHarlem Globetrotters 100th Anniversary, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled the officially licensed Harlem Globetrotters 100th Anniversary Bobblehead Collection. The limited-edition collection includes legendary players Curly Neal, Geese Ausbie, Marques Haynes, Reece “Goose” Tatum, and Sweet Lou Dunbar, mascots Globie and Big G, and a 100th Anniversary Bobble Logo. All of the bobbleheads in the collection are individually numbered to only 2,026 to coincide with the 100th anniversary season.
The legends bobbleheads, which are wearing the signature red, white, and blue uniforms that have been a staple of the team for 100 years, are standing on a circular basketball court base adorned with a Harlem Globetrotters 100th anniversary logo while the bobbleheads of Globie and Big G feature the team’s 100thAnniversary jerseys. The bobbleheads, which are individually numbered to 2,026, are now available for pre-order through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. Expected to ship in December, the bobbleheads are $30 each or $250 for the set of nine, plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order.
Founded in 1926 by Abe Saperstein, the Harlem Globetrotters, originally called the Savoy Big Five, played their first game on January 7th, 1927, in Hinckley, Illinois. All the original players were raised on the south side of Chicago and attended Wendell Phillips High School in the Bronzeville neighborhood. Over their 100-year history, the Harlem Globetrotters have entertained over 148 million fans around the globe, playing in124 countries, across six continents with over 26,000 exhibition games mostly against opponents like the Washington Generals and the New York Nationals.
Known for their amazing skills and legendary basketball style, the Harlem Globetrotters combine athleticism, theater, and comedy in their light-hearted style of play. They are considered global icons of family entertainment. The team’s signature song is Brother Bones’ whistled version of “Sweet Georgia Brown.” Adopted by the team in 1952, it is always played during the pregame warm-up. The adorable court jester, Globie, an anthropomorphized globe, joined the team as the team’s mascot in 1993. He has become the most traveled mascot in professional sports. The inflatable Big G, Globie’s big brother, arrived on the scene in 2010.
Pioneers in popularizing the slam dunk, the fast break, the forward and point guard positions, and the figure-eight weave, the Globetrotters have entertained popes, kings, queens, and presidents around the globe. In all, close to 750 men and women have played for the team. In 2002, the Harlem Globetrotters were inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for their acts of goodwill, commitment to fans, and years of innovation on and off the court.
“We’re excited to unveil the new HarlemGlobetrotters Bobblehead Collection to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “Having entertained nearly 150 million fans over their 100-year history, the Globetrotters are global icons. These bobbleheads will be must-haves for Globetrotters fans everywhere!”
About the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum:
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened to the public on February 1st, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale as well as organizations, individuals and teams across the country. Visit us online and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters™ / Herschend Entertainment Studios
Now in their Centennial season, The Harlem Globetrotters™ are THE originators of applying sport to deliver goodwill, excitement, showmanship, and athleticism to a global audience every year. Since 1926, with a legacy of elite talent that has included many of the greatest stars of men’s and women’s basketball from HBCU’s to Division I, II, III, NAIA, The NBA, and the WNBA, the Globetrotters are the first team ever inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. They have utilized their talents to showcase their iconic brand of basketball to tens of millions in over 124 countries and territories across six continents.
Never ones to stop innovating, the award-winning organization, which currently holds an unprecedented 80+ Guinness World Records, the most of any professional sports team, has expanded its media footprint to make their content available to fans new and old on whatever platform they choose, from EMMY nominated broadcast shows, specials, and feature films, to their own FAST channel, as wellas reimagining the memorabilia and collectible space through new partnerships with National Bobblehead Hall of Fame, Super Break and cllct, with uniforms and other special apparel created by legendary designer, Jeff Hamilton. Content partners include; Hidden Pictures, Vantage Pictures, Aspire TV, and Hearst Media Production Group; commercial partnerships and consumer products include Zara, EQL, Jerry Leigh, OVO, Shoe Palace, Philcos, IMG & Excel Sports as well as the official ball partner, Spalding. Coined by the U.S. State Department in 1951 as Ambassadors of Goodwill, and now serving The Official Ambassadors of Goodwill for the United Nations as well, the team leverages their moniker to drive its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts globally around theirstrategic pillars of Health & Wellness, Education, and Community Empowerment. These efforts have yielded partnerships with the likes of the NBA Retired Players Association, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Microsoft, U.S. State Department Sports Diplomacy, United Nations: Food & Agricultural Organization, and Operation Homefront.
For more information about the Harlem Globetrotters™ and the Tour, visit their official website: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.
