Jesse Cole, founder and owner of the Savannah Bananas, recalls the team’s humble beginnings in 2016. Originally part of the Coastal Plain League, the Bananas struggled to sell tickets, requiring Cole and his wife to make significant personal sacrifices. In 2022, the team transitioned to “Banana Ball,” aiming to revolutionize the baseball experience amidst skepticism. Despite the doubts, the Bananas successfully attracted over 2 million fans and sold out 17 MLB stadiums in 2025.
Savannah Bananas Announce 2026 Tour and Expansion
On ESPN2, Cole revealed that the Banana Ball Championship League will kick off in 2026, extending its reach to 75 stadiums across 45 states. The tour is anticipated to attract around 3.2 million fans. Games are scheduled to occur in notable venues, including:
- Texas A&M’s Kyle Field (Capacity: 102,000)
- Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium (Capacity: 101,000)
- Dehler Park in Billings, Montana (Capacity: 3,000, smallest crowd in Banana Ball history)
- Superdome (New Orleans) and Gillette Stadium (Foxborough)
New Teams Joining the League
The league also welcomes two new clubs: the Loco Beach Coconuts and the Indianapolis Clowns. Each team will appoint a “prime-time coach” responsible for big games and year-round activities. Shane Victorino, a two-time World Series champion, will lead the Coconuts, which aim to embody a beach theme in all their activities.
Victorino expressed excitement about blending the energy of Banana Ball with his Hawaiian roots, promising to create a joyful atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Clowns, a historical Negro Leagues team, will return under the leadership of Ryan Howard, a former World Series champion and MVP.
Season Structure and Innovations
The championship league will commence in February, featuring 11 preseason games. This will culminate in a Banana Ball open tournament to secure playoff spots. The regular season spans from late April to September, with playoffs concluding in the Banana Bowl on October 10, 2026.
Innovative game rules, such as the equalizer rule, will also be implemented. If the visiting team executes more trick plays in the first eight innings, they earn an extra point in the ninth. These changes are designed to enhance competitiveness and entertainment.
Future Aspirations
While the league is expanding domestically, Cole plans to keep its primary focus within the United States for now. He anticipates a growing demand for Banana Ball events, with expectations of 3 to 4 million requests for tickets shortly after the announcement. Ticket prices will remain unchanged, emphasizing accessibility for fans.
Looking ahead, Cole envisions youth tournaments and leagues mirroring the Banana Ball experience across the globe. He believes in the sport’s potential to become a significant part of youth culture, but recognizes there remains significant work to fulfill these ambitions each season.
