There have been some interesting sports moves from ReachTV over the years. That free ad-supported streaming television service is in more than 500,000 hotel rooms and on more than 2,500 airport screens across North America, and also powers 24-hour live sports in-flight. And they’ve struck some notable individual sports deals, including a NFL one in 2021. Last year, they set up a NFL preview series with former players in 2023 (in partnership with Bleav), a multi-show deal with Brinx.tv, and an arrangement with LIV Golf for Friday streaming. Now, they’re teaming up with an unexpected source: the Harlem Globetrotters.
Under a deal announced Thursday, various Globetrotters’ content will be heading to ReachTV. That will include player introductions, four-point shots, trick shots, and other highlights, some of which may have appeal as eye-catching content on some of the ReachTV screens. There will be opportunities for the Globetrotters to promote their tours here as well. Here’s a sample highlight clip:
Here's a sample clip of the kind of Globetrotters' highlights coming to ReachTV. pic.twitter.com/ZFyIBFBqUy
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 9, 2024
Here’s more on this deal from a release:
ReachTV, the largest streaming television network for travelers, and the world famous, Harlem Globetrotters®, the originators of basketball style, partner to celebrate the trailblazers, leaders, and players that make up the legendary organization, it was announced today by Lynwood Bibbens, ReachTV, Founder & CEO and Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios.
…“The Harlem Globetrotters may be best known for their trick shots, but their complicated journey is even more unbelievable. Their journey began during the Jim Crow Era rooted in racism andstruggle, and somehow, they persisted and became one of the most recognizable brands in basketball. I’m honored to partner with the Harlem Globetrotters,” said Bibbens.
“In our continued efforts to revitalize the brand and connect with our audience wherever they are….our newly formed partnership with ReachTV helps us to achieve those goals,” said Dawkins. “The Harlem Globetrotters’ global tour spans some 400 dates annually worldwide, across six continents and over 135 countries (and counting). With ReachTV we can deepen our commitment, and relationship, with our fans as they travel to their next ‘Globetrotters’ destination.
As mentioned, this adds to some of those previous sports moves from ReachTV. And it suggests sports remains an important area for them to build out programming. We’ll see where they go next.
