Harlem Globetrotters And Champion Athleticwear Announce Official Partnership, Unveil New Uniform Design

ATLANTA, Nov. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The world famous Harlem Globetrotters and Champion Athleticwear today announced a landmark global partnership that will make Champion the Official Uniform and Apparel Provider of the Globetrotters, and will include a new, re-imagined Globetrotters uniform beginning with the tip-off of the team's 2018-19 Fan Powered Tour of North America this month.

As part of their new, multi-year partnership, Champion will outfit the Globetrotters with all of their on-court and travel apparel, which includes player uniform, warm-ups, t-shirts, jackets, pants, hoodies, jerseys, shorts and socks. The deal also provides Champion with the opportunity to sell official Globetrotter apparel in their existing stores and retailers worldwide.  Headwear and footwear are not included in the partnership.

The Globetrotters will also be outfitted by Champion for this year's tour with their first new uniform design, outside of special events, in 20 years. The program with Champion aligns with the Globetrotters strategy to partner with innovators and category leaders.   The franchise's iconic red, white and blue look will feature the following updates:

• High-quality micro mesh for improved durability
• Heat-infused sublimated design to provide a flawless team look
• New fitted design for female players
• Lightweight fabric to perform tricks with ease
• Designed with Moisture Management Technology
• Produced with soft thread for enhanced comfort

"Getting the opportunity to outfit an iconic organization like the Harlem Globetrotters has been a phenomenal experience for us at Champion," said Tyler Lewison, general manager of Champion Teamwear. "From their continued innovation in basketball to their community outreach, this team embodies what it means to be a Champion, and we are thrilled about working with them going forward. Their shows are a memorable experience for the entire family, so we can't wait for fans to see them in their new Champion uniforms this season."

"Champion is the perfect partner to refresh the uniform of the world's most beloved sports team," said Howard Smith, president of Harlem Globetrotters International. "As we travel the globe, our stars are excited to be wearing the iconic C logo on their uniforms. The innovative technology that Champion has designed into every piece of Harlem Globetrotters team gear will bring an exciting new look to our collection."

Champion and the Globetrotters will also give fans the opportunity to purchase and take home their own iconic Globetrotters jersey, with commemorative limited edition Champion jerseys available for retail purchase at the New York City Champion store located at 434 Broadway on Tuesday, November 13^th from 3pm-5pm where Harlem Globetrotters stars will sign autographs and take photos.

Official commemorative jerseys will become available for purchase in-arena during the Fan Powered tour beginning in mid-December. Champion will also create Globetrotter hoodies and t-shirts for purchase in –arena during the upcoming tour and online at harlemglobetrotters.com.  The tour will also feature Champion sponsor benefits that include show integration, signage, social media promotion, merchandise stand integration, VIP experiences and hospitality.

The Globetrotters will play in more than 250 North American markets, as well as 30 countries worldwide, during the Fan Powered World Tour.  Tickets are now available at harlemglobetrotters.com.

The Harlem Globetrotters® are legendary worldwide, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills for the past 92 years. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 123 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans – among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents – over nine thrilling decades. Sponsored by Entenmann's ® Donuts, Tum-e Yummies and Baden Sports, Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com and follow them on Twitter @Globies.

About Champion®

Since 1919, Champion Athleticwear has offered a full line of innovative athletic apparel for men and women including activewear, sweats, tees, sports bras, team uniforms and accessories. Champion uses innovative design and state-of-the-art product testing to ensure uncompromised quality and innovative apparel for our consumers. Champion Athleticwear can be purchased at department stores, sporting goods, specialty retailers, and at Champion.com.  For more information, please contact us at 1-800-315-0563 or at Facebook.com/Champion, follow us on Twitter @Championusa or on Instagram @Champion. Champion is a brand of Hanesbrands Inc. (NYSE:HBI).

SOURCE Harlem Globetrotters