Harlem Globetrotters Launch Goodwill Ambassador Initiative

Starting August of 2023, we are proud to announce the official launch of the “Harlem Globetrotters Goodwill Ambassador Initiative,” striving to do good, reach audiences, and drive business in three strategic areas, including health and wellness, education, and community empowerment.

Where did this idea start? Back in 1951, Harlem Globetrotters founder Abe Saperstein was sent a special letter from the U.S. State Department, recognizing the organization as “ambassadors of extraordinary good will” after playing for over 75,000 fans in Berlin in 1951. Now, more than 70 years later, we are striving to expand on that title with an initiative to continue spreading goodwill around the globe through the power of sports through basketball.

The Goodwill Ambassador Initiative is powered by global grassroots activities, partnerships with leading for-profit and nonprofit organizations, on-the-ground events, activations, and other support.

Here are just a few of our Goodwill Ambassador Initiatives:

Microsoft x Harlem Globetrotters Bring Technology & Basketball Together
Microsoft has joined forces with the Harlem Globetrotters to advance education and community empowerment within Black and African-American communities, introducing basketball-themed programming infused with cutting-edge technology like AI. This strategic partnership aims to bridge educational gaps. promote growth and connect non-profit organizations with the curriculum while celebrating achievements through educational challenges and events.

Comic Relief Red Nose Day
This special campaign raises life-changing funds to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and give all kids the opportunity to thrive and have a healthy future. This campaign is a passion project for the Globetrotters, building on a 90+ year commitment to break down barriers, do acts of goodwill, and bring a commitment to fans that goes beyond the game. Funds were raised during 25 Harlem Globetrotter games this past April 2023 where the power of Red Nose Day fun and entertainment was brought to thousands of fans.

US State Department Sports Diplomacy: U.S.Malaysia Sports Envoy
Globetrotter players joined other professional athletes to engage youth in a weeklong program, Sports in Enhancing and Promoting Authentic Diversity (SEPADU). The players led basketball clinics, skill demonstrations, and speaking engagements in Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, speaking with youth associations and media to demonstrate how sports can be a positive outlet for potential at-risk youth.

National Archives and Harlem Globetrotters Family Day
The National Archives hosted a special Family Day with the Harlem Globetrotters, featuring the National Archives exhibit All American: The Power of Sports. With its nearly 100-year storied history, the Globetrotters embody the power that sports has on breaking barriers, bringing people together, instilling pride and hope. As part of the family event, Globetrotter players discussed the history of the brand, showcased their unique basketball skill, and spoke on the importance of civic engagement.

Harlem Globetrotters Great Assist in partnership with Jersey Mike’s Subs
The Harlem Globetrotters and Harlem Globetrotters World Tour presenting sponsor, Jersey Mike’s Subs, visited 5 US cities during the 2023 World Tour to honor local community members with the ‘Great Assist’®️ Award. The series, in its inaugural year, celebrates youth sports and organizations that actively pursue the possibilities of greatness by exemplifying LEADERSHIP, SPORTSMANSHIP, and COMMITMENT in their community.