For a generation of Americans, the Harlem Globetrotters were the Savannah Bananas of basketball, if you will, attracting fans for their on-court antics and whimsical play against hapless opponents from cities such as Washington.
The Globetrotters remain a popular draw, and Gray Television’s Gray Media unit recognizes this. As such, it has locked up an agreement to bring a live broadcast of a Globetrotters game to viewers across more than 90 markets on August 18.
A game from the basketball squad’s sports residency at American Dream in New Jersey will air on that Sunday at 7pm Eastern on a selection of Gray-owned broadcast TV stations. In Atlanta, the game will air on WPCH-17, branded as Peachtree TV.
“Our history making residency continues to attract partners who want to help amplify the moment,” said Keith Dawkins, President of Harlem Globetrotters and Herschend Entertainment Studios. “It’s been over 40 years since audiences have seen the Globetrotters live on TV, and we are thankful that Gray Media is helping us revitalize our brand for an entirely new generation.”
The broadcast will be produced by Gray’s Raycom Sports.
“We’re fired up to work with the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters! Over the last 45 years, we’ve produced over 10,000 events, including college basketball, football, NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLS games,” said Raycom Sports CEO Hunter Nickell. “Now, we’re honored to showcase the Globetrotters on Gray stations across the country.”
Raycom Sports currently syndicates ACC Football and Basketball games throughout the year on CW affiliates nationwide, and is the broadcast partner for the PWHL, a first-of-its-kind women’s hockey league that debuted in 2024.
