How do you say, Meadowlark Lemon in Chinese?

The NBA has signed a muli-year deal with the Harlem Globetrotters that looks to grow the NBA’s presence internationally.

The deal excludes Canada, the U.S. and Mexico  As reported by the SportsBusiness Journal:

Financial terms of the five-year deal were not disclosed but the partnership will begin during the NBA’s All-Star Week in Phoenix, where the Globetrotters are slated to participate in all-star-related activities. More significant is the fact that the NBA and the Globetrotters will partner in planning and promoting the Globetrotters’ international schedule.

“For us, it’s a nice complement as we work to grow the game,” said Heidi Ueberroth, president of global marketing partnerships and international business operations for the NBA. “We look to incorporate the Globetrotters not just in marketing but also in appearances and in merchandising. It’s across our entire spectrum of operations.”

Representatives from the Globetrotters see the advantage of the partnership in that the NBA has the infrastructure, while the Globetrotters have great content.

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Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is contributor to Baseball Prospectus, and is available as a freelance writer.

Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.

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