Abe Saperstein
Inducted:
1971
Stats
5 ft 3 in (160 cm)
Born
July 4, 1902
London, England
Died
March 15, 1966
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Position
Contributor
College
Lake View High School
University of Illinois
Abe Saperstein was one of basketball's greatest innovators and promoters, helping transform the sport into a global attraction. He founded the Harlem Globetrotters in 1926 and turned the team into an international phenomenon through its unique blend of elite basketball and entertainment. Beyond the Globetrotters, Saperstein played a significant role in the growth of professional basketball by organizing tours, promoting games, and creating opportunities for Black players during an era of segregation.
He also founded the American Basketball League (ABL) in 1961, introducing innovations such as the three-point shot that later influenced modern basketball. His vision expanded the game's popularity worldwide and left a lasting impact on professional basketball. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Abe Saperstein was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971 as a contributor.
Saperstein's Awards and Honor
- International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (1979)
- National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (2005)
- Founder of the Harlem Globetrotters
- Founder of the American Basketball League (ABL)
- Introduced the three-point shot in the ABL
- One of basketball's most influential promoters and innovators
NBA Teams
Commissioner (American Basketball League)
Owner (Harlem Globetrotters)
Notable Contributions
Franchise Founded:
Savoy Big Five (1926)
League Founder:
American Basketball League (1961)
Rule Innovation:
Three-point shot
Pioneering women's basketball:
Partnership with Olympic track