Harlem Globetrotters end one-sided marriage with Washington Generals after 63 years

For 63 years, the Washington Generals served admirably as the team the Harlem Globetrotters would routinely spank to the delight of basketball fans around the world.

The arrangement has come to an end.

Washington general manager John Ferrari confirmed Thursday to ESPN's Darren Rovell that the Globetrotters have dropped the Generals as their showcase opponent. Finances are believed to be the reason - ownership of the Globetrotters has changed hands in recent years as the legendary squad fights to keep its place in a crowded sports entertainment marketplace.

The Generals long played the straight man to the outlandish Globetrotters and their trick shots, dunks, and on-court gags.

Washington only beat Harlem once, in 1971, compared to what Ferrari estimates to be roughly 16,000 losses.

The Generals were devised by Red Klotz and Globetrotters founder Abe Saperstein in 1952. Klotz passed away last year at the age of 93.