The Globetrotters got their start in 1926 in Chicago, Illinois. The all-Black team was first known as the Savoy Big Five. A businessman named Abe Saperstein soon took over the squad and later renamed it the Harlem Globetrotters. Harlem is a neighborhood in New York City that’s rich in Black history. 

At the time, many parts of American society were segregated, including professional basketball. That meant Black players weren’t allowed to join the same pro leagues that White players could. To earn money, the Globetrotters traveled from town to town. They took on anyone who would play them—including farmers in Iowa and lumberjacks in Canada. 

Most opponents were no match for the Globetrotters. In fact, they dominated other teams so easily that they started adding tricks during games to keep fans entertained.

The Globetrotters started in 1926 in Chicago, Illinois. The all-Black team was first known as the Savoy Big Five. A businessman named Abe Saperstein soon took over the squad. He renamed it the Harlem Globetrotters. Harlem is a neighborhood in New York City. It’s rich in Black history. 

At the time, many parts of American society were segregated. That included professional basketball. Black players weren’t allowed to be in pro leagues with White players. To earn money, the Globetrotters traveled from town to town. They took on anyone who would play them. That included farmers in Iowa and lumberjacks in Canada.  

Most opponents were no match for the Globetrotters. The team dominated others easily. They started adding tricks during games to keep fans entertained.

By the 1940s, the Globetrotters had begun playing exhibition games against other top pro teams. In 1948 and 1949, they beat the all-White Minneapolis Lakers, a team many people considered to be the best in the world. Those games proved that the Globetrotters were as talented as top White players. 

The National Basketball Association (NBA) was formed in 1949. The following year, three former Globetrotters became the new league’s first Black players.

The NBA struggled to attract fans in its early years. Meanwhile, the Globetrotters were playing in packed arenas. To help bring in new fans, NBA teams played the Globetrotters in exhibition games. 

“Without the Globetrotters, the NBA wouldn’t be as successful as it is today,” says Louis “Sweet Lou” Dunbar. He played on the team for 27 years and is now a coach.

By the 1940s, the Globetrotters were playing exhibition games against other top pro teams. In 1948 and 1949, they beat the all-White Minneapolis Lakers. Many people considered the Lakers to be the best team in the world. Those games proved that the Globetrotters were as skilled as top White players.  

The National Basketball Association (NBA) was formed in 1949. The following year, three former Globetrotters became the NBA’s first Black players.

The NBA had a hard time getting fans at first. Meanwhile, the Globetrotters were playing in packed arenas. To help bring in crowds, NBA teams played the Globetrotters in exhibition games. 

“Without the Globetrotters, the NBA wouldn’t be as successful as it is today,” says Louis “Sweet Lou” Dunbar. He played on the team for 27 years. He is now a coach for the team.

Today the team is more about entertaining fans than winning—though they rarely lose. And they’ve lived up to the Globetrotters name over the years, playing in more than 120 countries. During games, players often invite fans onto the court to try out tricks or join dance routines. 

“We put smiles on people’s faces,” says Dunbar.

This year, the Globetrotters are celebrating their 100th anniversary with a world tour. They plan to play in more than 300 places around the globe. Winston is proud to represent the history-making team.

“It’s been an amazing journey,” he says.

Today the team is more about entertaining fans than winning. But they rarely lose. And they’ve lived up to the Globetrotters name by playing in more than 120 countries. During games, players often invite fans onto the court to dance or try out tricks. 

“We put smiles on people’s faces,” says Dunbar.

This year, the Globetrotters are celebrating their 100th anniversary. They’re going on a world tour. They will play in more than 300 places around the globe. Winston is proud to be on the history-making team.

“It’s been an amazing journey,” he says.

1. How does the article support the idea that without the Harlem Globetrotters, “professional basketball might look a lot different today”?

2. According to the article, how did segregation affect the Harlem Globetrotters in the team’s early years?

3. Share one adjective you would use to describe the Harlem Globetrotters. Explain your choice.

1. How does the article support the idea that without the Harlem Globetrotters, “professional basketball might look a lot different today”?

2. According to the article, how did segregation affect the Harlem Globetrotters in the team’s early years?

3. Share one adjective you would use to describe the Harlem Globetrotters. Explain your choice.