The Highest Paid Harlem Globetrotters of All Time
The Harlem Globetrotters are an exhibition basketball team known for their unique blend of athleticism, entertainment, and comedy. Since their founding in 1926, the team has become a beloved institution, entertaining fans around the world with their impressive ball-handling skills, trick shots, and hilarious antics. While the team's primary focus is on entertaining the crowd, they are also skilled basketball players who require a significant amount of practice and training to maintain their high level of performance. As such, the highest paid Harlem Globetrotters are able to command a significant salary for their talents.
1. Wilt Chamberlain (1958-1959) - $50,000 per year
Wilt Chamberlain, also known as Wilt the Stilt, is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. During his brief stint with the Harlem Globetrotters in 1958-1959, Chamberlain was reportedly paid $50,000 per year, which is equivalent to approximately $450,000 today. Chamberlain's dominance on the court and his charismatic personality made him a fan favorite, and he remains one of the most iconic players in Harlem Globetrotters history.
2. Curly Neal (1963-1985) - $40,000 per year
Curly Neal was a beloved Harlem Globetrotter who played for the team from 1963 to 1985. During his 22-year career, Neal was known for his exceptional ball-handling skills, hilarious antics, and charismatic personality. At the height of his career, Neal was reportedly paid $40,000 per year, which is equivalent to approximately $250,000 today.
3. Meadowlark Lemon (1951-1978) - $30,000 per year
Meadowlark Lemon was a Hall of Fame Harlem Globetrotter who played for the team from 1951 to 1978. During his 27-year career, Lemon was known for his incredible athleticism, trick shots, and comedic timing. At the height of his career, Lemon was reportedly paid $30,000 per year, which is equivalent to approximately $200,000 today.
4. Reece "Goose" Tatum (1942-1955) - $25,000 per year
Reece "Goose" Tatum was a pioneering Harlem Globetrotter who played for the team from 1942 to 1955. During his 13-year career, Tatum was known for his exceptional ball-handling skills, comedic timing, and charismatic personality. At the height of his career, Tatum was reportedly paid $25,000 per year, which is equivalent to approximately $250,000 today.
Modern-Day Harlem Globetrotters Salaries
While the Harlem Globetrotters are still a popular and entertaining team, their salaries have decreased significantly since the team's heyday in the mid-20th century. Today, Harlem Globetrotters players can expect to earn between $50,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on their level of experience and performance.
In conclusion, the Harlem Globetrotters have a rich history of entertaining fans around the world with their unique blend of athleticism, entertainment, and comedy. While the team's salaries have decreased over the years, the highest paid Harlem Globetrotters of all time remain some of the most beloved and iconic figures in the history of the team.