African American basketball team formed by Jewish American Abe Sapperstein in 1927. The Globetrotters began as a serious team but gradually moved into the entertainment business, touring with an “opposition” team, but actually showcasing moves, which included, for example, Marques Haynes’ dribbling and Meadowlark Lemon’s half-court hook, seldom seen in the National Basketball Association. Wider audience interest grew following a 1951 film about the team’s early days, and a 1970s cartoon show. Now over seventy years old, under African American ownership, and with a completely new roster of players and opponents, the Globetrotters bring their unique style of basketball to all parts of the world.