Just In: Over 350 Cities Submit Official Interest in Hosting Banana Ball Games in 2026 including the……. more details
Banana Ball, the high-energy, entertainment-first spin on baseball created by the Savannah Bananas, is continuing its rapid rise to national prominence. In one of the most significant updates yet, organizers announced that more than 350 cities from over 35 states have officially submitted their interest in hosting Banana Ball games during the 2026 season.
The demand is staggering and unprecedented for what began as a small-scale experiment in Savannah, Georgia. From bustling metropolitan areas to historic baseball towns, cities across the United States—and even several abroad—are lining up to bring the fast-paced, fan-centered sport to their communities.
Even more telling of Banana Ball’s momentum, the two yet-to-be-named Banana Ball expansion teams set to debut in 2026 have each attracted strong suitors of their own. Reports confirm that over 70 cities have already expressed interest in becoming permanent home bases for these new franchises.
When the Bananas first took Banana Ball on tour, few could have predicted the frenzy it would unleash. What started as an alternative take on America’s pastime—games capped at two hours, no bunting, and nonstop fan engagement—has blossomed into a full-fledged movement.
The fact that cities from every region of the country have filed official requests to host games speaks volumes about Banana Ball’s growing influence. From the baseball-rich Midwest to the entertainment-driven West Coast, demand cuts across cultural, geographic, and economic lines.
Everywhere we go, fans tell us they want more,” said Jesse Cole, the Savannah Bananas’ charismatic owner known for his signature yellow tuxedo. *“Banana Ball isn’t just about baseball—it’s about joy, connection, and creating unforgettable experiences. To now see hundreds of cities asking to be part of this is proof that we’re building something far bigger than we ever dreamed.
Perhaps the most surprising part of the announcement is the international angle. Officials confirmed that multiple cities outside of the United States have formally expressed interest in hosting Banana Ball games. While specific locations have not yet been revealed, speculation points to Canada, Mexico, and parts of Europe—all regions with strong baseball traditions.
If international hosting becomes a reality, 2026 could mark the first season where Banana Ball truly breaks through as a global entertainment export, not just an American novelty. That possibility excites fans who see Banana Ball as a way to re-energize baseball culture worldwide.
Banana Ball’s expansion is also drawing heavy attention. The league plans to introduce two new permanent teams in 2026, though their names and locations remain under wraps. Already, more than 70 cities have expressed interest in becoming home to one of the franchises.
For cities looking to make their mark, hosting a Banana Ball team represents more than just sports—it’s about tourism, economic growth, and cultural cachet. Many civic leaders see Banana Ball as a modern replacement for the role minor league baseball once played in smaller markets: bringing families together, filling stadiums, and energizing local economies.
Sports business experts suggest that whichever cities land the new teams will enjoy an immediate boost. “Banana Ball sells out venues across the country, sometimes within minutes,” noted one analyst. “Bringing a permanent team to a city means tapping into that energy year-round. The economic ripple effect could be enormous.
1. Fan Experience – Banana Ball emphasizes fun over tradition. From choreographed dances to fan-involved plays, games feel more like a festival than a typical ballgame.
2. Accessibility– With two-hour games and simplified rules, Banana Ball appeals to families, younger fans, and even those who don’t normally follow baseball.
3.National Buzz– Every tour stop sells out, with social media clips going viral almost daily. The visibility has created a “fear of missing out for both fans and cities.
4. Economic Impact– Hosting Banana Ball games brings visitors, boosts local businesses, and puts cities in the spotlight of a growing national trend.
The next phase will be highly competitive. Organizers are expected to review applications throughout 2025, with final announcements of host cities expected in early 2026. Key factors will include stadium availability, community support, and long-term partnership potential.
The unveiling of the two new Banana Ball teams and their home cities will likely be one of the most anticipated sports announcements of 2026. Fans are already speculating on possible names, mascots, and signature styles that could join the Bananas in redefining the game.
Banana Ball’s appeal lies in more than its quirky rules. For many fans, it feels like a reinvention of what live sports should be: engaging, joyful, and inclusive. The fact that hundreds of cities are now competing for a piece of the action underscores how quickly Banana Ball has become more than just a Savannah story.
Banana Ball is bigger than baseball now,” Cole said. “It’s about bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and reminding us that sports should always be fun first. Seeing this level of demand from so many cities tells us the movement is only just beginning.
As 2026 approaches, the stage is set for Banana Ball to cement its place as one of the most innovative and fastest-growing sports phenomena in modern history. With over 350 cities in the running and international doors opening, the future of Banana Ball looks not just bright—it looks unstoppable.