The Original Harlem Globetrotters play the Washington Generals on the Rivalry Tour, marking the 75th anniversary of their rivalry.
The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to First Direct Bank Arena on Friday 26 February 2027, as part of their Rivalry Tour. They'll be going head-to-head with the Washington Generals, the pairing that's defined their act for decades. The Globetrotters have been at it for over a century, built on world-class athleticism, gravity-defying slam dunks, trick shots and a good deal of on-court humour.
This particular tour marks the 75th anniversary of that rivalry with the Washington Generals. The two were brought together in 1952 by former NBA champion Louis 'Red' Klotz, who set it up at the request of Globetrotters founder Abe Saperstein. The Generals' most famous win came in 1971, when a 50-year-old Klotz sank the winning basket in a dramatic 100-99 upset.
There's a bit more to this tour than the usual match-up, though. The new format adds two brand-new rival teams alongside the Generals, with a season-long points table running through the tour. Fans get to vote live on match challenges, so you're not just watching from the stands.
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It's billed as family entertainment, and there are suite experiences for groups of up to 16. The standard age restriction applies: under-14s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Doors open at 6:00 PM and the show starts at 7:30 PM at First Direct Bank Arena, Arena Way, Arena Quarter, Leeds (LS2 8BY).
