Savannah Bananas Officially Confirmed to Join Major League Baseball in 2026, Marking the First Expansion in Nearly Three Decades; Beloved for Their Banana Ball Spectacle, Unmatched Entertainment, and Global Fanbase, the Team Will Bring Innovation, Fun, and Energy to MLB While Cementing Their Status as Baseball’s Most Unconventional Phenomenon.
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Savannah, GA – In a groundbreaking announcement that has electrified the sports world, Major League Baseball (MLB) confirmed that the Savannah Bananas, the viral sensation redefining baseball with their outrageous showmanship and electric Banana Ball style, will officially join the league in 2026. The move marks MLB’s first expansion since 1998 and represents a historic step toward modernizing America’s pastime.
Founded in 2016, the Savannah Bananas were once a small collegiate summer league team playing at Savannah’s historic Grayson Stadium. Under the vision of owner Jesse Cole—famous for his bright yellow tuxedo and relentless creativity—the Bananas quickly grew into a cultural movement. By infusing baseball with nonstop entertainment, dancing players, choreographed entrances, and fast-paced rules, they not only captured national attention but also built one of the most passionate fanbases in sports.
Their traveling Banana Ball World Tours became legendary, with tickets selling out within minutes and fans packing stadiums from coast to coast. Millions followed them on social media, where viral clips of players performing stunts, celebrations, and trick plays racked up views worldwide. For years, fans speculated whether the Bananas could ever make the leap into Major League Baseball. Now, that dream is finally becoming reality.
Commissioner’s Statement
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised the Bananas as pioneers of fan engagement.
“The Savannah Bananas have proven that baseball can be both competitive and wildly entertaining,” Manfred said during the announcement. “They’ve captured the hearts of fans across generations, and their addition to Major League Baseball will bring energy, innovation, and new audiences to our sport.”
While the Bananas will be required to play under MLB’s official rules rather than their signature Banana Ball format, league officials confirmed that elements of their entertainment style—such as choreographed walk-ups, fan interactions, and their signature yellow branding—will remain. This balance aims to preserve the team’s unique identity while ensuring fair competition at the highest level.
Reaction from Players and Fans
Players were ecstatic about the news. Team captain Bill LeRoy said, “This is something we’ve dreamed about for years. We’ve shown the world that baseball can be fun, and now we get to bring that energy to MLB. We’re ready to prove we can compete while still putting on a show.”
Fans erupted across social media platforms, with hashtags like #BananasInMLB trending worldwide within hours of the announcement. Many celebrated the Bananas’ rise as a triumph for creativity in sports. One fan wrote on Twitter, “The Bananas joining MLB is the best thing to happen to baseball since Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier—it changes the game forever.”
The Future in Savannah
Grayson Stadium, the Bananas’ historic home, will undergo major renovations to meet MLB standards. Savannah city officials predict the move will create thousands of jobs, boost tourism, and elevate the city into a premier baseball destination.
As 2026 approaches, excitement is building not just in Georgia but around the globe. The Savannah Bananas are no longer just an entertaining sideshow—they are set to become a fully-fledged MLB franchise, ready to face baseball’s biggest teams while inspiring the next generation of fans.
With their official MLB debut just around the corner, one thing is certain: the Bananas are bringing more than just baseball to the league—they’re bringing joy, energy, and a whole lot of yellow.