HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS, EQL GAMES ANNOUNCE LOTTERY PROGRAM PARTNERSHIP FOR THE 2026 CENTENNIAL SEASON

ATLANTA, GA  –– The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters and lottery vendor EQL Games today formally announced a joint partnership to identify and launch state lottery games across the country in celebration of the organization's centennial season. The program, the first-ever lottery series connected to the Globetrotters brand, will officially begin in December with a scratch ticket released by the Maryland Lottery.

The Globetrotters Centennial season will officially tip off with a special event at Madison Square Garden on December 14.

“The growth of casual gaming continues to be a key engagement point for consumers and we are proud to be able to use this partnership with EQL Games to have our brand story in front of millions of consumers who might not be our traditional fanbase,” said Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios. “This is yet another great example of the fun and unique ways the organization will grow our areas of consumer engagement as our Centennial season tips off.”

“The 2026 season marks 100 years of the Globetrotters being synonymous with fun and entertainment, two of the biggest reasons people play the lottery,” said Brad Cummings, CEO of EQL Games. “We are honored to kick off this partnership with the Maryland Lottery, and we are looking forward to expanding it to other lotteries in the coming months. Players will have the best of both worlds – a chance to win money and the opportunity to see the Globetrotters.”

Released on the eve of the team’s 100th year celebration in 2026, the new $2 Maryland tickets feature vintage Harlem Globetrotters designs, including the iconic basketball spinning on a finger, and the chance to win prizes, both instantly and through a second-chance promotion. Similar programs are in discussion with other states and will be announced in the coming months.

The full 100 Year Tour will continue onwards with Boston and Pittsburgh on Friday, December 26th and continue the roll out across 200+ domestic markets and over 125+ markets internationally. Fans can also expect all-new surprises like the Golden Basketball by Spalding®, epic pre-game Magic Pass experiences, 100 Year limited edition merchandise and many other new innovations for the “Ambassadors of Basketball.” International markets such as France, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Mexico, and across Asia are just a few of the many locations the Harlem Globetrotters will be touring in winter of 2026 and running through the remainder of the year.

ABOUT EQL GAMES

Leading the evolution of the lottery industry by delivering disruptive, first-to-market products as an original game studio, third-party content aggregator and boutique licensor. Committed to pushing the boundaries of traditional lottery models, EQL is creating next-level solutions that engage, excite, and inspire lotteries and players in the U.S. and abroad. By integrating advanced technology and dynamic content, we’re shaping the future of the lottery, offering unparalleled entertainment while supporting the growth of our Lottery partners and enhancing player experiences worldwide.

ABOUT THE WORLD-FAMOUS HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS™ / HERSCHEND ENTERTAINMENT STUDIOS

Now entering their Centennial season, The Harlem Globetrotters™ are THE originators of applying sport to deliver goodwill, excitement, showmanship, and athleticism to a global audience every year. Since 1926, with a legacy of elite talent that has included many of the greatest stars of men’s and women’s basketball from HBCU’s to Division I, II, III, NAIA, The NBA, and the WNBA, the Globetrotters are the first team ever inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. They have utilized their talents to showcase their iconic brand of basketball to tens of millions in over 124 countries and territories across six continents.

Never ones to stop innovating, the award-winning organization, which currently holds an unprecedented 80+ Guinness World Records, the most of any professional sports team, has expanded its media footprint to make their content available to fans new and old on whatever platform they choose, from EMMY nominated broadcast shows, specials, and feature films, to their own FAST channel, as well as reimagining the memorabilia and collectible space through a new partnership with cllct, with uniforms and other special apparel created by legendary designer, Jeff Hamilton. Content partners include; Hidden Pictures, Vantage Pictures, Aspire TV, and Hearst Media Production Group; commercial partnerships and consumer products include Zara, EQL, IMG, Jerry Leigh, OVO, Shoe Palace, Philcos, and Excel Sports as well as the official ball partner, Spalding and Exxact Sports. Coined by the U.S. State Department in 1951 as Ambassadors of Goodwill, and now serving The Official Ambassadors of Goodwill for the United Nations as well, the team leverages their moniker to drive its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts globally around their strategic pillars of Health & Wellness, Education, and Community Empowerment. These efforts have yielded partnerships with the likes of the NBA Retired Players Association, Microsoft, U.S. State Department Sports Diplomacy, United Nations: Food & Agricultural Organization, and Operation Homefront.

For more information about the Harlem Globetrotters™ and the Tour, visit their official website: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

Media Contacts:

Mirian Arias - mirian.arias@harlemglobetrotters.com

Joe Favorito - joefavorito2@gmail.com