The Savannah Bananas Are Coming to ESPN
As ESPN’s relationship with MLB draws to a conclusion, the Worldwide Leader in Sports is already turning to a new baseball partner.
Today, the barnstorming Savannah Bananas announced that they are hitting the road for a series of games across the country, 10 of which will air on the ESPN family of networks.
Photo: ESPN
For several years, ESPN and the Savannah Bananas have continued to expand their relationship. With their unique blend of showmanship, trick plays, and athletic prowess, the Bananas have exploded in popularity and become social media darlings. Banana Ball fever has swept the nation.
A Blossoming Partnership
Previously, ESPN produced the Bananaland docuseries, which followed the team’s exploits. The network has also aired the occasional Banana Ball game. The new package, however, will radically expand the partnership between the two entities.
Two of the upcoming Bananas games will air on ESPN, while the remaining eight will call ESPN2 home. All ten games will be available on Disney+.
Photo: ESPN
“The Savannah Bananas have mastered the art of blending baseball with entertainment, creating an experience that resonates with fans of all ages, regardless of their baseball knowledge,” said Brent Colborne, ESPN Vice President of Programming & Content Strategy. “Their unique approach embodies two of ESPN’s key goals: reaching new audiences and inspiring the next generation of youth athletes. With Banana Ball showcased on ESPN and Disney linear and streaming platforms, we are confident new, avid fans will be created.”
A Full-Circle Moment
For Savannah Banana’s founder, Jesse Cole, the new partnership with Disney is especially meaningful
In an interview with Front Office Sports, the entrepreneur cited Walt Disney and his creation of Disneyland as the inspiration behind his decision to found the Bananas.
Photo: D23
“Where Walt Disney sat at a bench in Griffith Park with his two daughters on the carousel and said, ‘I wish there was a place where adults and kids could have fun together,’ I had a similar mindset when I was sitting and coaching in the Cape Cod League,” Cole told Front Office Sports.
Photo: Savannah Bananas
“I remembered how much fun it was playing, but it wasn’t as fun watching. I thought, ‘Well, what if people that love baseball can come out and have fun just for the entertainment?’ I put myself in fans’ shoes: Even if I didn’t love baseball, could I love coming to the ballpark to experience a show?”
Photo: Savannah Bananas
The Savannah Bananas’ summer tour will kick off on April 26 in Clemson’s football stadium. 80,000 fans will be in attendance.
