Five things to know about ESPN’s expanded collaboration with Banana Ball
ESPN, Disney+ and the Savannah Bananas today announced an exclusive game package beginning February 28, the largest Banana Ball distribution to date.
“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, ESPN Vice President, Programming Content & Strategy
Here are five things to know about this exciting partnership:
A bunch more games are on the way
The new agreement delivers a 25-game exclusive package in 2026, more than doubling last year’s 12 games and marking the largest Banana Ball distribution deal to date. Every game will stream on the ESPN App and Disney+, with select games airing across ESPN networks and ABC.
A top-banana game coming to ABC
Banana Ball will make its first-ever appearance on ABC, airing nationally from Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, one of the largest settings the Bananas have ever played in.
Disney goes bananas for Banana Ball!
In 2026, Banana Ball becomes fully woven into The Walt Disney Company ecosystem, including:
- Savannah Bananas Day at Disneyland Resort on March 26, aligned with the Angel Stadium game
- Banana Ball Day at Walt Disney World Resort on May 29, alongside a matchup at ESPN Wide World of Sports
ESPN is leaning into Banana Ball as live entertainment
The schedule spans iconic venues, from Yankee Stadium and Wrigley Field to football stadiums and a marquee stop near ESPN’s Bristol headquarters at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford, Connecticut. All games are fully produced by the Savannah Bananas.
Ripening the multi-year relationship
The expanded deal builds on a relationship that began with the ESPN+ Original Bananaland and select live game coverage in 2022. With audiences growing season over season, Banana Ball has evolved from a niche curiosity into a nationally scaled, cross-platform sports entertainment property.
