Banana Ball Makes History: Savannah Bananas Set to Join Major League Baseball in 2026
**SAVANNAH, GA —** In a move that is sending shockwaves through the world of sports, **Major League Baseball (MLB)** has officially announced that the **Savannah Bananas**, the wildly popular and unconventional baseball team known for their viral antics and sellout Banana Ball tours, will be joining the league in the **2026 season**.
Yes, you read that right — Banana Ball is going **big league**.
This unprecedented move marks the **first time in MLB history** that an independent entertainment-first baseball team has been granted full expansion team status. The Bananas, founded in 2016 and led by the always-yellow-suited **Jesse Cole**, have redefined the baseball experience with a unique blend of showmanship, creativity, and community engagement that has drawn comparisons to the Harlem Globetrotters — if they played baseball and danced between innings.
“We’re not just changing baseball,” said Jesse Cole in a packed press conference at Grayson Stadium. “We’re changing the way fans connect with the game. And now, we’re bringing that joy to the biggest stage in the world. This is not just for us — it’s for every kid who ever danced in the outfield or dreamed of fun being part of the game again.”
### **The MLB Banana Revolution Begins**
Starting in **April 2026**, the Savannah Bananas will become the **33rd team** in Major League Baseball, competing in a newly created “Innovation Division” — a concept being piloted by the league to test new rules, audience engagement strategies, and entertainment models.
Banana Ball rules — which include no bunting, no walks, and a two-hour time limit — will be integrated into select MLB games as part of an experimental showcase initiative titled **“MLB: The Future Series.”**
Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement saying, “The Savannah Bananas have proven that the game can evolve while staying true to its roots. We’re excited to welcome them and explore new pathways to grow the sport.”
### **Sellout Stadiums, Viral Fame, and Millions of Bananas**
The Bananas have sold out every home game since 2016 and consistently dominate social media with clips of players backflipping during at-bats, dancing umpires, and fan-first innovations like mic’d-up pitchers and in-game karaoke.
Their 2025 “World Tour” included stops in 33 cities, with more than **750,000 fans** attending — a feat unheard of for an independent team. Their inclusion in MLB is not just a step forward for the team, but a **testament to the power of fan-driven entertainment.**
### **See Conditions **
The Bananas’ MLB integration comes with a few conditions:
* The team must **rotate traditional and Banana Ball games** during the season.
* Players will be eligible for MLB awards only during traditional-format games.
* All Banana Ball games will be part of a national streaming deal with a new platform: **MLB: Next Gen**.
* Grayson Stadium will undergo a \$150 million renovation to meet MLB standards — **without removing the Party Deck**.
### **A New Era Begins**
With their trademark yellow uniforms, viral appeal, and mission to make baseball *fun* again, the Savannah Bananas are no longer just the future of the sport — they are its **present**.
Baseball has officially gone bananas.
—
