Latest news with #Globetrotters
New York Post
05-07-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Trailblazing Harlem Globetrotter Lynette Woodard says she never saw a penny from merch sold in her name
A gold medal-winning Olympian and historic Harlem Globetrotter claims she's been dunked on by an NYC business that sold pricey hoodies and sweatsuits in her name — and cut her out of the profits. Hall of Famer Lynette Woodard, who became the first woman to play for the famed Globetrotters in 1985, said in a lawsuit that no one got her permission to slap her name on $150 hoodies and $100 sweats peddled by a company called Undrcrwn. The Globetrotters and the company 'never sought [Woodard's] consent because they knew [she] would not give it for free,' she said in the Manhattan Federal Court lawsuit. Advertisement 3 Lynette Woodard was the first woman to sign with a professional men's team when she joined the Harlem Globetrotters in 1985. Kathryn Dudek/New York Post Archives 3 Undrcrwn stopped selling the clothes last year but they're still available online, Woodard said. Instagram/@undrcrwn The 65-year-old, 6-foot-tall guard, who captained the gold medal-winning US Olympic team in 1984 in Los Angeles, said the offending products were sold between 2021 and 2024 and are still available on the secondary market. Advertisement The two-time All-American at the University of Kansas who is also the all-time leading scorer in women's college basketball is seeking unspecified damages. 3 The gold medal winning Woodard accused Undrcrwn of intentionally failing to get her permission to use her name on its products. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Woodard also played in the inaugural season of the WNBA for the Cleveland Rockers. Undrcrwn and the Globetrotters did not respond to messages seeking comment.
Miami Herald
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Harlem Globetrotters offering first ever tryouts
The Harlem Globetrotters are gearing up for a historic milestone-and they want you to be part of they approach their 100th anniversary in 2026, the legendary team has announced its first-ever open tryouts. Athletes from all backgrounds are invited to showcase their talents and join the celebration. The Globetrotters aim to build a dynamic roster for the Centennial season, blending elite athletic skills with their signature showmanship. President Keith Dawkins called this a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."We are creating one of the most unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for talented high-level athletes and entertainers," Dawkins said. He emphasized that the Globetrotters are offering fair pay, sales royalties, content opportunities, and community impact programs. Tryouts are set for early fall, with dates and locations coming soon. About 30 athletes will be invited to this next step. The final team will be revealed in November after a detailed selection process. The Globetrotters are widening their search for talent. They've attended top showcase events like the Portsmouth Invitational and the NBA Pre-Draft Camp. They've also added former SIAC Commissioner Gregory Moore as a talent recruitment consultant. The team's HBCU legacy remains current Globetrotters proudly represent HBCUs: Randy 'Crash' McClure: An Albany State University alum, McClure scored over 1,000 career points. He's a two-time NBPA HBCU Top 50 selectee and joined the Globetrotters in 2021 after playing Moss: The Grambling State University guard was drafted by the Globetrotters in 2022. Moss made waves at the nationally televised HBCU All-Star Sharpless: A former CIAA Player of the Year from Elizabeth City State University, Sharpless is known for his exciting, high-flying style. These players showcase the rich talent flowing from HBCUs. They continue the Globetrotters' tradition of celebrating Black excellence on and off the court. Over the past year, the Globetrotters performed in 50 international markets and 46 cities across North America. They set 18 new Guinness World Records-one of their best seasons to date. This is more than a tryout-it's a chance to be part of something historic. Athletes interested in joining the Globetrotters' Centennial season can apply now through the official tryout portal. The Globetrotters are ready to discover their next generation of stars. Will you be one of them? The post Harlem Globetrotters offering first ever tryouts appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Business Wire
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
The Harlem Globetrotters to Host First Ever Open Player Tryout
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Leaders in breaking barriers and making history, the world-famous, Harlem Globetrotters™ today formally announced they will be hosting their first-ever open tryouts to help select athletes for the organization's Centennial season in 2026. In addition to recruitment efforts of elite talent being made through relationships with the global college and professional basketball community, the Globetrotters have created a portal where anyone can apply for a tryout spot. That portal, found HERE is open today for sign-up. HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS TO HOST FIRST EVER OPEN PLAYER TRYOUT IN ADVANCE OF 2026 CENTENNIAL SEASON Share Official Harlem Globetrotters tryouts will take place in the early fall with the final team being assembled and announced in November. Exact dates and location will be announced later this summer. The Globetrotters have taken significant steps in the past few months to recruit and raise awareness around the basketball community, with representatives taking part in talent showcases like the Portsmouth Invitational and the NBA Pre-Draft Camp as well as adding former SIACC Commissioner Gregory Moore as a talent recruitment consultant. The organization's goal is to expand, and elevate, the talent in its ranks and to act as competitive offering for men and women hoopers around the globe for both 2026 and beyond. The Globetrotters continue to add a high-quality level of athlete, which has been reflected in recent years in the signing of former LSU captain Alexis Morris and this past year with the addition of 6-5 rookie forward Asanti 'Cash' Price (Columbia, SC), who signed a contract with the NBA G League's Texas Legends, the affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks. Price was one of six rookies signed to the Globetrotters this past November and had the option to return to the club when his G League time ended, which he did. 'We are creating one of the most unique, once in a lifetime opportunities for talented high-level athletes and entertainers, the ability to be part of the Centennial of the most iconic global sports and entertainment property. We wanted to make sure we were not limiting ourselves in our talent search,' said Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios. 'While the tryout will be open, and we welcome athletes from all walks of life to join us, this is a serious competition that will combine high-level athleticism, opportunities for fair compensation, player revenue opportunities via sales royalties, content opportunities via our distribution partners, community impact through our CSR efforts, and a rare opportunity to take advantage of all the creative assets we have built to literally expand one's career beyond the game. The right athletes will have that special element of 'showpersonship' that the Globetrotters have been known for. It should make for a fun and exciting way to uncover our next group of stars.' This past year Globetrotter athletes again set a new bar for excellence on and off the court, bringing their talents to 50 markets around the world and an additional 46 cities in North America. Athletes set 18 new Guinness World Records, the second-most in one season in their history. The Globetrotters anticipate bringing in approximately 30 athletes to the tryout. It will be the first step of a months-long process in selecting the athletes for the Centennial team. The Globetrotters legacy has seen athletes ranging from Wilt Chamberlain to Connie Hawkins to Oliver Miller to Lynette Woodward throughout its history, and the goal is to make sure that talent and legacy go hand in hand into this next stage of growth. ABOUT THE WORLD-FAMOUS HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS™ / HERSCHEND ENTERTAINMENT STUDIOS The Harlem Globetrotters™ are THE originators of basketball style; captured by their dynamic athleticism, unique skill and historical influence on the modern game of basketball. Since 1926, the Globetrotters, proud members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, have used their legendary global tour to showcase their iconic brand of basketball to tens of millions in over 124 countries and territories across six continents. They have expanded the brand by coming back to network television for the first time in 40 years with their Emmy nominated NBC series 'Harlem Globetrotters: Play it Forward' which also airs on Telemundo as 'Harlem Globetrotters: Ganando Con La Comunidad.' Content partners include Hidden Pictures, Atmosphere TV, and Hearts Media Production Group; consumer partnerships include, Sprayground, Undercrwn, Macys, Hybrid; and additional partnerships include our official tour partner Jersey Mikes, official ball partner, Spalding, Viral Nation, Hoopculture, and Citi. Coined by the U.S. State Department in 1951 as Ambassadors of Goodwill, the team leverages their moniker to drive its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts around their strategic pillars of Health & Wellness, Education, and Community Empowerment. These efforts have yielded partnership with the likes of Microsoft, 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. The Harlem Globetrotters™ is a subsidiary of Herschend, the largest family-owned themed attractions company.
Miami Herald
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Harlem Globetrotters celebrating nearly 100 years of basketball
The legendary Harlem Globetrotters are officially counting down to their 100th anniversary with the unveiling of a striking new Centennial logo, symbolizing their rich legacy of sports, entertainment, and cultural impact. Designed by the award-winning Matt Lehman Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, the new logo was crafted to reflect the Globetrotters' historic roots while projecting a bold, unified vision for the future. The design will serve as the creative cornerstone of the Globetrotters' Centennial celebration, set for 2026. "We wanted to find the balance of past, present, and future in a fresh new look that was both unique and exciting, whilst paying homage to the many men and women players that have honored us as Globetrotters," said Keith Dawkins, President of the Harlem Globetrotters and Herschend Entertainment Studios. "This mark will connect all of the consumer touchpoints centered around our 100-year anniversary plans." The new Centennial logo features key elements that pay tribute to the Globetrotters' legacy: Red, white, and blue color scheme, echoing the team's signature basketball and stars representing the original five Globetrotters: Walter "Toots" Wright, Byron "Fat" Long, Willis "Kid" Oliver, Andy Washington, and Al "Runt" "1926" and "2026" prominently displayed to signify the founding and the upcoming anniversary.A 3D-style block font, inspired by lettering used in vintage game programs, a beloved collectible among Globetrotter iconic red, white, and blue ball featured at the center, symbolizing the enduring connection between past, present, and future. As the team celebrates its 100th year, the Harlem Globetrotters continue to honor and elevate talent from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)-a tradition woven into the franchise's long-standing mission. Several current Globetrotters hail from HBCU programs: Prince Moss, a standout from Grambling State UniversityAngelo Sharpless, who starred at Elizabeth City State UniversityCrash McClure, formerly of Albany State University In addition to today's players, HBCUs have played a role in shaping some of the franchise's most beloved legends. Among them was the iconic Fred "Curly" Neal, a former All-CIAA player at Johnson C. Smith University, who enjoyed a long and celebrated career with the Globetrotters, dazzling fans with his unmatched ball-handling skills and warm charisma. The Harlem Globetrotters plan to roll out a full slate of commemorative activities leading into 2026. These include: Strategic partnerships and brand collaborationsLimited-edition Centennial memorabiliaExclusive media content and storytellingSpecial live events and community engagement programs Fans worldwide can expect announcements in the coming weeks as the team builds excitement for its once-in-a-century milestone. The post Harlem Globetrotters celebrating nearly 100 years of basketball appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Business Wire
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Wire
The World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters Unveil New Logo for Historic 100th Season
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Leaders in breaking barriers and making history for almost 100 years, the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters ™ today announced its official countdown by unveiling their 100th Centennial brand logo. The Globetrotter logo, designed by Matt Lehman Studio of Nashville, Tennessee, will serve as a key creative link for the organization as the full plans for the Centennial take place. 'We wanted to find the balance of past, present, and future in a fresh new look that was both unique and exciting, whilst paying homage to the many men and women players that have honored us as Globetrotters. We believe this Centennial logo delivers on all fronts,' said Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios. 'This mark will connect all of the consumer touchpoints centered around our 100 year anniversary plans. It's a unifying principle that helps to bring this historic moment to life.' The new logo proudly displays the organization's signature red, white and blue color scheme, with five stars, symbolizing the original five members of the Globetrotters, who were Walter 'Toots' Wright, Byron 'Fat' Long, Willis 'Kid' Oliver, Andy Washington, and Al 'Runt' Pullins. The dates for when the team was founded in Illinois in 1926 and next year's official anniversary, 2026, are also on display. The organization's iconic red, white and blue ball sits in the middle of the logo, serving as a link to past, present, and future. The block letters used throughout the logo, which has a 3D component to it as well, symbolize the lettering from some of the organization's early game programs, which were, and continue to be, high quality memorabilia for fans of all ages. Additional details on partnerships, special event, commemorative memorabilia, media activity and other elements of The Centennial will be announced in the coming weeks. ABOUT THE WORLD-FAMOUS HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS™ / HERSCHEND ENTERTAINMENT STUDIOS The Harlem Globetrotters™ are THE originators of basketball style; captured by their dynamic athleticism, unique skill and historical influence on the modern game of basketball. Since 1926, the Globetrotters, proud members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, have used their legendary global tour to showcase their iconic brand of basketball to tens of millions in over 124 countries and territories across six continents. They have expanded the brand by coming back to network television for the first time in 40 years with their Emmy nominated NBC series 'Harlem Globetrotters: Play it Forward' which also airs on Telemundo as 'Harlem Globetrotters: Ganando Con La Comunidad.' Content partners include Hidden Pictures, Atmosphere TV, and Hearts Media Production Group; consumer partnerships include, Sprayground, Undercrwn, Macys, Hybrid; and additional partnerships include our official tour partner Jersey Mikes, official ball partner, Spalding, Viral Nation, Hoopculture, and Citi. Coined by the U.S. State Department in 1951 as Ambassadors of Goodwill, the team leverages their moniker to drive its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts around their strategic pillars of Health & Wellness, Education, and Community Empowerment. These efforts have yielded partnership with the likes of Microsoft, 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. For more information about the Harlem Globetrotters™ and the Tour, visit the Globetrotters' official website: The Harlem Globetrotters™ is a subsidiary of Herschend, the largest family-owned themed attractions company. ABOUT MATT LEHMAN STUDIO Matt Lehman began his career in 2001 at Anderson Design Group in Nashville. It was there that he once laid out packaging for a cassette. In 2007, he joined CMT / MTV Networks focusing on show identities and the network rebrand in 2009. During his tenure there, he worked on the visuals for a NASCAR DVD and two Toby Keith movies. He has skeletons in his closet just like everyone else. In 2010 he formed Matt Lehman Studio working for brands such as ESPN, Delta, PepsiCo, The Atlantic, Esquire, Nickelodeon and NASA to name a few.
