The Harlem Globetrotters Partner with Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Globetrotters Introduce Pink Basketballs on Their 2013 “You Write the Rules” Tour to Show Their Support for the Cause & Share Message with Their Fans

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Susan G. Komen for the Cure^®, the world’s largest breast cancer organization, is teaming up with the world famous Harlem Globetrotters, one of the most recognizable franchises in sports and entertainment, to raise funds for breast cancer programs and to promote breast cancer education and awareness. The Harlem Globetrotters will play a portion of each game on their 2013 “You Write the Rules” Tour with specially-designed pink Spalding basketballs. The Globetrotters are introducing pink versions of their popular team wristbands that will be available for fans to purchase at games, with $1 from each sale going to benefit Susan G. Komen.

“The Harlem Globetrotters have always taken an active role in giving back to our fans and the community”

Globetrotters players, management and their families have been personally and powerfully impacted by breast cancer and were inspired to dedicate the tour to raising awareness about this vital health concern with their millions of fans across the nation.

In the U.S. alone there are 2.9 million breast cancer survivors alive today, but there is still work to be done, with almost 200,000 women predicted to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone.

“We’re excited to be teaming up with the iconic Harlem Globetrotters for a partnership that will not only help raise funds for research, but help us reach women and families with education about breast cancer,” said Dorothy Jones, vice president of Marketing for Komen.

“The Harlem Globetrotters have always taken an active role in giving back to our fans and the community,” said Globetrotters star TNT Maddox, one of three female players on the team, “and the Globetrotters want the families we entertain to help in the effort to find a cure for breast cancer and preserve a healthier future.”

The Globetrotters have been giving back to the community since their inception through community outreach programs focusing on health and wellness education, character building, anti-bullying, and now breast cancer awareness.

With 275 event stops throughout North America, the Harlem Globetrotters hope to spread breast cancer awareness across the land. As a special offer, the Globetrotters are providing a ticket discount, 25 percent off (excluding courtside seats) to their current North American tour to Komen supporters. Go to www.harlemglobetrotters.com and enter the passcode KOMEN when purchasing your tickets.

For more information, or to find an event in your area, go to www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

About the Harlem Globetrotters:

Sponsored by Howard Johnson Hotels, Wonderful Pistachios, Greyhound Lines, Spalding, and Russell Athletic, the Original Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating their 87^th consecutive year, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 121 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 more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters’ official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

About Susan G. Komen

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer. Today, Susan G. Komen for the Cure® works to end breast cancer in the U.S. and throughout the world through groundbreaking research, community health outreach, advocacy and programs in more than 30 countries. Visit komen.org. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.