Saperstein instead focused on promoting the game of basketball. He formed the Savoy Big Five in 1927, a team of African-American players that played exhibition games against professional teams. The team was renamed the Harlem Globetrotters in 1929 and became a major success.
The Globetrotters were known for their comedic style of play, which included trick shots, fancy passes, and humorous routines. They toured the world and played in front of millions of fans. They also played in the first professional basketball game in Europe in 1951.
Saperstein was a shrewd businessman and was able to capitalize on the popularity of the Globetrotters. He negotiated lucrative television deals and endorsement contracts for the team. He also served as the team's coach and general manager.
Saperstein was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971 for his contributions to the game. He was also the first African-American to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He passed away in 1966, but his legacy lives on through the Harlem Globetrotters.
🏀