2026 Banana Ball City Selection Show — Savannah Bananas Are Going Big
Don’t panic if you missed the 2025 Banana Ball World Tour — the Savannah Bananas are back and bigger than ever. Tune in October 9 for the 2026 Banana Ball City Selection Show on ESPN2 and Disney+, where new teams and tour cities will be revealed. Here are 7 key things to know. Did you miss the sensational 2025 Banana Ball World Tour? Don’t worry — the Savannah Bananas are hitting the road again, and there’s a very good chance they might roll into a city near you. Their wildly entertaining “Fans First” brand of baseball snowballed into a national phenomenon in 2025, drawing sold-out crowds across MLB and football stadiums alike. Now, on October 9, the spotlight turns to the 2026 Banana Ball City Selection Show, where the next season’s schedule and expansion will take center stage.
This comprehensive post will guide you through everything you need to know: how to watch, what to expect, how ticketing works, and why this may be the biggest Banana Ball season yet.
1. Why the 2026 Banana Ball City Selection Show Is a Big Deal
The 2026 Banana Ball City Selection Show is more than just a schedule reveal — it signals a new era for Banana Ball. (WJCL) For the first time, the show is being broadcast on national television via ESPN2, Disney+, and the team’s streaming platforms. (ESPN.com)
Here’s what makes it significant:
- Expansion: Two new teams will be introduced, raising the total league count to six. (WJCL)
- New Structure: The show kickstarts the Banana Ball Championship League (BBCL), a more competitive format with real stakes beyond entertaining exhibition games. (WJCL)
- National Exposure: As Jesse Cole, founder and owner, put it, “this is our first time ever that the selection show is on national TV. It’s the biggest event we’ve ever done.” (ESPN.com)
In short: don’t just watch it — this show sets the tone for everything Banana Ball will be in 2026.
2. Key Details: Date, Time & How to Watch
Be sure to mark your calendar:
- Date & Time: Thursday, October 9, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET (ESPN.com)
- Platforms:
– ESPN2 (national TV) (ESPN.com)
– Disney+ (ESPN.com)
– Banana Ball’s official streaming hub (via their website) (ESPN.com)
– YouTube (live broadcast) (WJCL)
– ESPN App / ESPN+ (ESPN.com)
If you want to catch every twist, this is your best shot.
3. What to Expect: Cities, Stadiums & Expansion
3.1 City & Venue Expansion
In 2025, the Bananas visited 40 cities across 25+ states, staging games in MLB parks, NFL stadiums, and large college football venues. (WJCL) For 2026, they’re going even bigger:
- Reports suggest a plan to visit 45 cities in 28 states, including 20 MLB stadiums and 4 football venues. (Facebook)
- The 2026 schedule is expected to lean heavily into large venues, pushing Banana Ball further into major-league territory. (WJCL)
That means your city might just get a shot at hosting a Banana Ball spectacle.
3.2 The Two New Teams
The selection show will formally introduce two new Banana Ball teams, expanding the league from 4 to 6. (WJCL)
These new squads won’t just be symbolic — they’ll compete in the Banana Ball Championship League, giving fans new rivalries and richer storylines to follow. (WJCL)
3.3 BBCL Format Comes to Life
Previously, Banana Ball games were exhibition-style showcases built purely for entertainment, but in 2026:
- Games will be played for a championship, not just spectacle. (WJCL)
- The structure shifts toward real competition, while still maintaining the fun, fast-paced flair that defines Banana Ball. (WJCL)
Expect a season that blends high-stakes action with the unpredictable charm that made Banana Ball viral.
4. The Evolution: From Savannah to a National Phenomenon
To fully appreciate what’s coming, you should know how Banana Ball got here.
4.1 Humble Beginnings
The Savannah Bananas started nearly a decade ago as a local curiosity, selling only a handful of tickets to their early games. Over time, the team leaned into entertainment, showmanship, and social media savvy to elevate the experience.
The mantra? “Everything we do is an experiment… all innovation comes from iteration.” (ESPN.com)
4.2 Massive 2025 Tour
2025 was a breakout year. The Bananas played in 40 cities and used iconic venues like Fenway Park, Camden Yards, Nissan Stadium, and more. (ESPN.com) ESPN and Disney+ aired 12 Banana Ball games during the tour. (ESPN.com)
Along the way:
- They pulled six-figure attendance in some stadiums. (For instance, in Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium, they sold out ~74,000 seats in about five hours.) (Axios)
- They even brought in musical performances — 50 Cent performed during a game in Houston in 2025. (Houston Chronicle)
By season’s end, with tens of millions of social media views and legions of fans, Banana Ball cemented itself as much a cultural spectacle as a sport.
4.3 Transition to a League
In 2023, Banana Ball laid groundwork for a formal league. By 2025, it still functioned like a roaming showcase. But with the 2026 Banana Ball Championship League, it will move into a structure more akin to organized sports. (Wikipedia)
5. Ticketing for 2026: Lottery, Prices & Tips
If you’re itching to see the Bananas live in 2026, here’s how the ticketing system will work — and what you should watch out for.
5.1 Lottery Launch & Timeline
- After the City Selection Show wraps (around 8:30 p.m. ET on Oct. 9), the 2026 ticket lottery opens. (thesavannahbananas.com)
- It remains open through October 31, 2025. (thesavannahbananas.com)
- Entering the lottery doesn’t guarantee tickets. A random drawing will determine who gets access to buy. (thesavannahbananas.com)
5.2 Price Range & Purchase Limits
- Ticket prices begin at $35 directly from the official site. (thesavannahbananas.com)
- If you see higher prices elsewhere, they may be resale listings — possibly fraudulent. (thesavannahbananas.com)
- There’s a cap of 5 tickets per person if you’re selected in the lottery. (thesavannahbananas.com)
5.3 Pro Tips for Fans
- Don’t wait: The lottery is random, so early entry is no advantage — but missing the window means missing your shot.
- Stick to official channels: Avoid third-party resellers that may peddle scams. (thesavannahbananas.com)
- Be strategic about cities: As certain stadiums become high-demand, your preferred city (or tier) may close out — choose alternates.
- Set reminders: The lottery window is short — don’t let it slip your mind.
6. How to Watch (and Watch Smart)
You’ve got options — here’s how to make sure you don’t miss anything:
- TV: Tune into ESPN2 on Oct. 9 for the live show. (ESPN.com)
- Streaming:
• Disney+ – the show will stream there. (ESPN.com)
• Banana Ball’s official hub – via their site. (ESPN.com)
• YouTube – live broadcast option. (WJCL)
• ESPN App / ESPN+ – for on-the-go viewing. (ESPN.com) - Backup plans:
• A lot of ESPN content is simulcast or replayed — keep an eye on re-airings.
• Subscribe ahead of time (e.g. to Disney+ or ESPN+) so there’s no delay.
7. Why 2026 Could Be the Biggest Season Yet
- Ramped national exposure: Airing the reveal on major networks brings new eyes to Banana Ball. (WJCL)
- Competitive stakes: With the BBCL’s championship format, games will carry meaning beyond spectacle.
- Expanded footprint: More cities, more stadiums — more chances for fans to interact with the brand.
- A proven model: 2025’s surge in attendance, social reach, and mainstream media coverage has laid the foundation.
- Strong ticket demand: The announcement noted nearly 4 million people now on the waitlist for Banana Ball. (ESPN.com)
Savannah Bananas are betting big on 2026 — and if the selection show is any indication, it’s going to be an unforgettable year.
Bonus: What to Watch for During the Show
To get the most from your viewing experience, look out for:
- City reveals — Watch for surprise additions or stadium debuts.
- New team branding — Names, logos, colors — everything fresh.
- BBCL structure — How many games? Conferences or divisions?
- Broadcast and media deals — What networks will carry the expanded games?
- Special performances, guests, or surprises — past shows have dropped musical acts. (WJCL)
If you thought Banana Ball was big in 2025 — wait until 2026. With the City Selection Show airing nationally, two new teams, expansion across stadiums, and a fully formed championship structure, this could be the year Banana Ball goes from viral novelty to sports staple. Tune in Thursday, October 9 at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2, Disney+, or via the Banana Ball streaming hub to see what’s next. Be ready to enter that ticket lottery after the show, and prepare — Banana Ball might just hit your town next year.