PBS has this great feature on the history of the Harlem Globetrotters:

The Harlem Globetrotters have played in over 115 countries for more than 120 million fans. They have scored over 20,000 victories, and only 332 losses. They surpass every other team in the history of sports for number of games played. Today they are best known for their wildly-entertaining comedic routines and ball-handling skills on the court, and of course that famous song, “Sweet Georgia Brown.” But the Harlem Globetrotters have a long history of serious basketball play and their beginnings were modest.