Savannah Bananas Ink Biggest Partnership Yet with ESPN and Disney

Deal includes 25 games, Disneyland and Disney World appearances, and expanded reach across ESPN networks and Disney+.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Savannah Bananas, known for their baseball-themed spectacles and sold-out stadium events, have reached a landmark partnership with ESPN and Disney that will bring their unique brand of entertainment to a much wider audience. The deal includes a 25-game package in 2026 that will stream on ESPN and Disney+ platforms, with select games airing on ESPN networks and ABC. The agreement also features 'Banana Ball Days' at Disneyland and Disney World, as well as a game at Angel Stadium and a visit to ESPN headquarters.

Why it matters

The Savannah Bananas have built a massive following through their innovative and fan-engaging baseball games, and this new partnership with the sports and entertainment powerhouses of ESPN and Disney will significantly expand their reach and exposure. It also reflects the growing popularity and commercial success of the Bananas' 'Banana Ball' format, which has led to the launch of a six-team Banana Ball Championship League.

The details

The 25-game package in 2026 will include a 'Banana Ball Day' at Disneyland on March 26 and another at Disney World on May 29, with games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Bananas will also play a game at Angel Stadium and visit ESPN's headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut. The first Bananas broadcast on ABC will take place at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, home of the Oregon Ducks, where they will play the Party Animals on June 27-28 in a sold-out event.

  • The Savannah Bananas played in 40 cities in 2025, including three NFL stadiums and 17 Major League Baseball stadiums.
  • The Bananas sold out 65,000 seats at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' stadium and played in front of 81,000 at Clemson's Memorial Stadium in April 2025.
  • Banana Ball officially became a league in 2025, with the Party Animals, Firefighters and Texas Tailgaters joining the Savannah Bananas.
  • Two more teams, the Loco Beach Coconuts and the Indianapolis Clowns, were formed in 2026.
  • The new ESPN and Disney+ deal more than doubles the Bananas' previous 12-game offering in 2025.

The players

Savannah Bananas

A baseball team known for their baseball-themed spectacles and sold-out stadium events.

ESPN

A major American sports media company that is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.

Disney+

A subscription video on-demand streaming service owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company.

Jesse Cole

The owner of the Savannah Bananas.

Brent Colborne

The Vice President of ESPN Programming Content & Strategy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This expanded agreement reflects the incredible growth and fan demand surrounding Banana Ball. From iconic football stadiums to classic ballparks, these events showcase the energy and creativity fans love, delivered with the full reach and flexibility of ESPN, Disney+, and ABC.”

— Brent Colborne, Vice President of ESPN Programming Content & Strategy (The Tribune)

“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, Savannah Bananas Owner (The Tribune)

What’s next

The Savannah Bananas will play the Party Animals at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon on June 27-28, 2026 in a sold-out event that will be the first Bananas broadcast on ABC.

The takeaway

The Savannah Bananas' partnership with ESPN and Disney represents a major milestone for the team, as they continue to expand the reach and popularity of their unique brand of baseball entertainment. This deal will expose the Bananas' high-energy games and creative fan experiences to a much wider audience across multiple platforms, further cementing their status as one of the most exciting and innovative sports franchises in the country.