ESPN is making its largest commitment yet to Banana Ball, striking a 25-game exclusive agreement with the Savannah Bananas that will place the viral baseball entertainment brand across ESPN platforms and Disney+ throughout 2026, beginning February 28.
Under the new arrangement, every Bananas game will stream on the ESPN App and Disney+ for subscribers to the Unlimited plan, while more than 15 contests will also receive linear exposure across ESPN networks.
Select matchups will air on ABC, including what both sides describe as a landmark national showcase from Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., marking one of the biggest stages the Bananas have ever taken.
The expanded slate more than doubles last year’s 12-game package. It also deepens a partnership that began with the ESPN+ Original series Bananaland. That relationship included a handful of live telecasts in 2022. Since then, the Savannah Bananas have expanded their visibility across ESPN and Disney platforms. They have capitalized on sold-out shows, strong social media engagement, and a touring model that blends baseball with choreographed entertainment.
Brent Colborne, ESPN’s Vice President of Programming Content & Strategy, said the expanded distribution mirrors growing fan demand. He noted that audiences increasingly seek live events that blur traditional sports boundaries.
“This expanded agreement reflects the incredible growth and fan demand surrounding Banana Ball,” said Colborne. “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.”
Owner Jesse Cole framed the deal as a pivotal step for Banana Ball’s next phase, which includes the launch of the Banana Ball Championship League featuring six teams.
“We are fired up to be teaming up with ESPN with our biggest partnership to date,” said Cole. “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.”
The schedule also integrates several high-profile Disney tie-ins designed to blur the lines between sports telecast and theme park experience.
On March 26, the Bananas will align a game at Angel Stadium against the Indianapolis Clowns with Savannah Bananas Day at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, creating a coordinated celebration across the ballpark and park grounds.
Two months later, Banana Ball will travel to Walt Disney World Resort, where the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will host games featuring the Party Animals and the Loco Beach Coconuts as part of a broader fan activation weekend.
Later in the summer, the tour will make a stop near ESPN’s Bristol headquarters with an event at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford, Connecticut, spotlighting the Party Animals and Clowns in a made-for-summer showcase that underscores ESPN’s emphasis on live experiential programming.
All 25 games will be produced by the Savannah Bananas organization.
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