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The Savannah Bananas just launched their most ambitious 2026 world tour ever. ESPN, Disney+, and the team announced a 25-game exclusive deal, doubling last year’s coverage. This marks the biggest partnership in Banana Ball history.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Tour Scope: 75 stadiums across 45 states with 190 games total
- Broadcasting: 25 games on ESPN, Disney+, ESPN App starting February 28
- Iconic Venues: 14 MLB stadiums plus 10 football stadiums including Yankee Stadium and Wrigley Field
- Expected Attendance: Over 3.2 million fans across the entire 2026 season
ESPN Triples Down on Banana Ball Entertainment
ESPN, Disney+, and the Savannah Bananas just expanded their wildly successful partnership. The 2026 deal delivers 25 exclusive games, more than doubling the 12 games broadcast last year. Every game streams on ESPN App and Disney+, with select matchups airing on ESPN networks and ABC. This collaboration began in 2022 with the ESPN+ series Bananaland and has grown exponentially.
Brent Colborne, Vice President of ESPN Programming Content & Strategy, stated that the agreement reflects incredible growth and fan demand. The entertainment baseball movement now competes seriously for attention on ESPN’s premium platforms.
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First-Ever ABC Primetime Showcase from Oregon
The biggest moment of 2026 arrives June 28 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. The Savannah Bananas will make their ABC debut in primetime, marking one of the largest Banana Ball events ever staged. Over 15 additional games will air across various ESPN networks throughout the season. This national showcase underscores how Banana Ball has evolved from a regional curiosity into mainstream sports entertainment.
The Autzen game against the Party Animals will draw fans from across the Pacific Northwest. ABC’s involvement signals major network confidence in this entertainment baseball format gaining broad appeal.
Disney Magic Meets Banana Ball Entertainment
March 26 brings a one-of-a-kind celebration when the Savannah Bananas host Savannah Bananas Day at Disneyland Resort. The team faces the Indianapolis Clowns at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. Fans experience the dance-filled, high-energy spirit of Banana Ball merged directly into the Disney Parks experience. On May 29, Banana Ball travels to Walt Disney World Resort with two games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. These Disney partnerships represent unprecedented cross-promotion between entertainment baseball and theme park experiences.
| Tour Detail | Information |
| Total Games | 190 games across 6 teams |
| ESPN Coverage | 25 exclusive games on ESPN, Disney+, ABC |
| Stadium Venues | 14 MLB stadiums, 10 college/pro football sites |
| Season Start | February 28, 2026 in Tallahassee, Florida |
“We are fired up to be teaming up with ESPN with our biggest partnership to date. Banana Ball has grown massively on the platform over the past few years. Now, as we launch the Banana Ball Championship League with six teams and sold out shows all over the country, we couldn’t imagine a better partnership to grow the game.”
— Jesse Cole, Founder and Owner, Savannah Bananas
Six Teams, Legendary Stadiums, Historic Expansion
The 2026 season introduces a six-team Banana Ball Championship League featuring the classic Savannah Bananas, plus five other teams. New franchises include the Indianapolis Clowns and the Loco Beach Coconuts. The expanded roster also includes the Party Animals, Firefighters, and Texas Tailgaters. This multi-team format enables matchups across the nation in iconic stadiums like Yankee Stadium (April 25), Wrigley Field (July 24-26), the Superdome (March 14), and Texas A&M’s Kyle Field (May 2). With 190 total games, the 2026 schedule represents unprecedented scale.
The tour visits massive venues with capacities exceeding 100,000 fans. Kyle Field holds 102,000, while Neyland Stadium in Tennessee accommodates 101,000. These enormous stadiums reflect the movement’s growing appeal beyond traditional baseball markets.
Why Is Banana Ball Becoming Must-Watch Entertainment Baseball?
The 2026 expansion reflects broader cultural shifts in sports fandom. Banana Ball emphasizes showmanship, fan participation, higher speeds, and quick games. Players engage audiences with choreography, trick plays, and entertainment elements traditional baseball stadiums avoided. ESPN’s triple investment in 25 games signals network executives recognize this format attracts younger viewers and casual fans seeking entertainment value. Disney’s involvement at Disneyland and Disney World proves the concept transcends sports enthusiasts.
Owner Jesse Cole marketed Banana Ball as “fans first” entertainment, breaking traditional sports rules. The 2026 tour reaching 3.2 million fans validates this bold entrepreneurial bet made years ago when critics dismissed the concept.
Sources
- ESPN Press Room – Official announcement of 25-game exclusive 2026 package on ESPN, Disney+, and ABC
- Sports Video Group – Coverage of expanded ESPN and Disney partnership for Banana Ball Championship League
- Baseball America – Details on 2026 Savannah Bananas schedule visiting 75 stadiums in 45 states
