Quick Read
- Savannah Bananas revealed their 2026 Banana Ball tour schedule on October 9, 2025, during a nationally televised event.
- The tour expands to more MLB, NFL, and college stadiums, with two new teams joining the league for a total of six.
- A new championship format debuts, making Banana Ball games competitive for the first time.
- Nearly 4 million fans are on the ticket waitlist; a lottery system will determine ticket allocation for 2026.
- Fans can watch the schedule reveal on ESPN2, Disney+, and YouTube; ticket lottery opens after the show and closes October 31.
Banana Ball Goes Nationwide: The 2026 Expansion
On October 9, 2025, the Savannah Bananas broke new ground for their signature brand of baseball. The much-anticipated Banana Ball City Selection Show aired live from Grayson Stadium, transforming Savannah’s historic ballpark into the epicenter of an entertainment revolution. WSAV reports, what started as a local experiment has grown into a nationwide phenomenon, and this year’s schedule reveal marks the most ambitious leap yet.
Banana Ball, known for its fast-paced, fan-centric twist on America’s pastime, is now expanding into more major venues than ever before. The Bananas’ 2026 tour will span dozens of cities, including appearances at Major League Baseball parks, NFL stadiums, and college football arenas. This marks a significant milestone not only for the team but for alternative sports entertainment in the U.S.
From Humble Beginnings to Sold-Out Stadiums
The Bananas’ journey is a testament to risk, innovation, and relentless fan engagement. When owner Jesse Cole founded the team nearly a decade ago, expectations were modest. The organization sold just a handful of tickets, and local skepticism ran high. But by refusing to follow the traditional playbook, Cole and his team gradually built a following that now numbers in the millions. “We were just a couple of kids that started here, and we were expected to fail,” Cole told WSAV. “Now, we’re taking this all over the country, in front of over 3 million fans, in some of the biggest stadiums in the world.”
2025 was a breakthrough year: the Bananas played in 40 cities and brought Banana Ball to NFL and NCAA stadiums. The team’s unique blend of athleticism, humor, and interactive entertainment proved irresistible, selling out venues from Savannah to Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, where celebrity guests like Dierks Bentley and Titans quarterback Cam Ward joined the action (Emegypt).
New Teams, New Format: Championship League Debuts
For the first time, Banana Ball is becoming a championship pursuit. The 2026 tour introduces two new teams to the fold, bringing the league total to six. Alongside the Bananas, fans will see the Party Animals, Texas Tailgaters, Firefighters, and two yet-to-be-revealed squads compete for the inaugural Banana Ball title. Instead of just exhibition games, matches will now be played for a championship—a move designed to add stakes and deepen fan investment.
The City Selection Show, broadcast nationally on ESPN2, ESPN+, Disney+, and YouTube, was more than just a schedule announcement. It was a celebration of the Bananas’ growth, with founder Jesse Cole describing it as “the biggest event we’ve ever done.” According to USA Today, the team invested more into this broadcast than any previous project, aiming to set the tone for what promises to be a landmark year.
How Fans Can Watch and Get Tickets
With Banana Ball’s popularity surging, demand for tickets has reached unprecedented heights. Nearly 4 million fans are now on the waitlist, reflecting the team’s meteoric rise. To keep the process fair, the Bananas have launched a nationwide ticket lottery for 2026 games. Fans can enter the lottery via the team’s official website and social media platforms, with registration opening immediately after the selection show and closing on October 31, 2025 (USA Today). Winners will be chosen at random, and the process aims to give everyone a shot at experiencing Banana Ball’s unique spectacle live.
Those eager to catch the schedule reveal could tune in at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2, Disney+, and online platforms, with additional streaming via FUBO for new subscribers. This multi-channel approach ensures fans nationwide can join in, regardless of their cable or streaming preferences.
Why Banana Ball Resonates: The Fan Experience
At its heart, Banana Ball is more than just a sporting event—it’s a communal celebration. The Bananas have made a name for themselves by breaking down barriers between players and fans, incorporating dance routines, comedic skits, and even celebrity appearances into their games. Each match feels like a festival, and the team’s willingness to experiment keeps the experience fresh.
Jesse Cole’s philosophy is simple but powerful: “All innovation comes from iteration. You experiment something, you try it, and then you keep pushing the envelope.” The Bananas’ willingness to take risks has fostered a culture where fans feel like participants, not just spectators.
This approach has created viral moments and forged a connection that extends well beyond Savannah. For many fans, attending a Banana Ball game is as much about being part of the show as it is about watching baseball. The team’s sell-out success in major venues underscores just how universal their appeal has become.
The Road Ahead: Anticipation and Impact
The 2026 Banana Ball tour represents both the culmination of years of growth and the beginning of a new chapter. With six teams, a championship format, and a schedule packed with high-profile venues, the Bananas are poised to redefine what it means to be a sports entertainment brand.
For the cities selected in this year’s tour, the excitement is palpable. Local communities are gearing up to host games that blend athletic competition with a party atmosphere. The addition of a competitive league only adds fuel to the fire, ensuring that every game will carry real stakes and even more drama.
As the ticket lottery opens, the race is on for fans to secure a spot in the stands. For those who miss out, the Bananas’ robust broadcast and streaming strategy ensures that no one is left out of the fun. The team’s commitment to accessibility and fan engagement is clear, and it’s a big reason why Banana Ball continues to resonate.
The Savannah Bananas’ 2026 expansion is a case study in how daring innovation and a relentless focus on the fan experience can transform a local experiment into a national sensation. By combining athleticism, entertainment, and genuine community spirit, Banana Ball is not just breaking new ground—it’s changing the way America thinks about sports. The success of this model will likely inspire similar approaches across the industry, but for now, the Bananas stand alone atop their yellow-tinted stage.