In anticipation of its upcoming 2018 World Tour, the Harlem Globetrotters announced that they have signed on a new licensee and a new partner, as well as continuing its license agreement with publishing giant Simon & Schuster.

"This is tremendous news for our fans worldwide, as well as the Harlem Globetrotters," said Monica Neal, executive vice-president of brand marketing & partnerships of the Harlem Globetrotters. "These new deals reflect the growing popularity of our brand on a global scale.  It will also bring the Globetrotters to life in ways that we never thought possible." 

The Harlem Globetrotters and Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing originally announced a multi-year, multi-book series of children's books featuring the legendary team in 2016, as part of the publisher's "Ready to Read" collection. The first book in the series, "Here Come the Harlem Globetrotters," will be released on Aug. 29, with the second book, "The Superstar Story of the Harlem Globetrotters," scheduled for release in December 2017.

The books will explore the history and background of the Harlem Globetrotters from their start all the way to the present and offer insider glimpses into the players and formation of the team.  One book, The Science of Fun Stuff, will even delve into the science behind all the trick shots and amazing athletic feats the Globetrotters are known for. The first two books in the series are written by sports writer Larry Dobrow.

Also in time for back-to-school, the Globetrotters have partnered with a Dallas-based company, The Dunk Collection, the creators of the original over-the-door basketball hoop laundry hamper, for a two-year deal to produce branded products. The first will be a Harlem Globetrotters "Dirty Dunk" laundry hamper, which will hang on the back of a bedroom door and allow kids the opportunity to turn those dirty clothes into 4-point shots.

Finally, further leveraging its global status, the Globetrotters have partnered with London-based Suited Brands, renowned for launching dynamic and successful licensed products in the UK, to release branded apparel items in the popular athleisure retail category.

The three licensees – The Dunk Collection, Suited Brands, as well as Simon & Schuster – span the publishing, novelty toys, and apparel sectors, and will allow Harlem Globetrotters fans of all ages to start the 2017-18 school year in "world famous" fashion.

The Globetrotters – entering their 92nd season – will tip off the 2018 World Tour, on Dec. 26, 2017. The team will play in over 250 North American markets, as well as 30 countries worldwide. Tickets for the 2018 tour will go on sale in October, at www.harlemglobetrotters.com.