BANANA BALL IGNITES GLOBAL FRENZY AS OVER 150 CITIES ACROSS 40+ STATES AND MULTIPLE COUNTRIES ENTER THE 2026 HOST CITY RACE WITH……
Banana Ball, the wildly popular, fast-paced twist on traditional baseball created by the Savannah Bananas, has officially become a worldwide sensation. With more than 150 cities across 40+ U.S. states throwing their names into the hat to host games during the highly anticipated 2026 tour, the competition has reached fever pitch. On top of the national excitement, international bids from Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Japan have elevated Banana Ball from a national craze into a global sporting phenomenon.
This historic host city race is unlike anything the sports world has seen before. From the baseball-rich streets of New York and Pennsylvania in the Northeast to the powerhouse southern hubs of Georgia, Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas, communities across the country are lobbying hard for a chance to be part of the Banana Ball revolution. The Midwest has also stepped up, with Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota all determined to welcome the sport that has been redefining baseball for a new generation.
But it doesn’t stop there. Beyond the tour schedule, over 50 additional cities are competing for something even bigger: the chance to secure one of the two official Banana Ball expansion teams that will debut in 2026. The decision will shape not only the growth of Banana Ball but also the identity of the cities lucky enough to forever tie their names to the game’s global rise.
A Movement, Not Just a Game
Since its debut, Banana Ball has billed itself as more than just a sport—it’s a movement. Known for its electrifying atmosphere, entertainment-first approach, and innovative rules designed to keep fans engaged, the game has drawn comparisons to the Harlem Globetrotters while still respecting the fundamentals of baseball. Fans across the U.S. have packed stadiums to witness the spectacle: players performing choreographed dances mid-game, fans joining conga lines around the ballpark, and teams embracing a “fans first” mentality.
By 2026, the sport’s reach will extend well beyond the borders of the United States. Interest from Canada and Mexico highlights Banana Ball’s appeal across North America, while the bids from Japan—a country with one of the most passionate baseball cultures in the world—and the United Kingdom signal that the movement is truly going global. If accepted, these international cities could play host to some of the first Banana Ball games ever held outside the U.S., marking a historic leap for the sport.
The Battle for Expansion
While cities are eager to host tour stops, the competition for the two new Banana Ball expansion franchises has created a buzz unlike anything in minor league or independent sports. More than 50 U.S. cities are reportedly lobbying organizers, promising packed stadiums, community support, and the chance to serve as long-term homes for Banana Ball’s growing legacy.
Cities vying for these coveted expansion teams must demonstrate more than just a strong baseball culture—they need to show they can embrace the unique energy and creativity that defines Banana Ball. That includes everything from innovative fan experiences to fully engaging with the off-field antics that make the Bananas and their brand of baseball stand apart.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 season still months away, the buildup already feels historic. The Savannah Bananas, led by founder Jesse Cole and his trademark yellow tuxedo, have transformed baseball entertainment in just a few short years. What started as a viral experiment in Savannah, Georgia, has blossomed into a full-fledged international movement that may soon rival mainstream professional sports in fan engagement.
As the host city race heats up, one thing is certain: Banana Ball has proven itself to be more than just a passing trend. It is a cultural phenomenon that blends the heart of America’s pastime with the energy of a global entertainment revolution.
Communities across the United States and around the world are asking the same question: Which city will be next to Bananas?
Would you like me to also create a bold closing statement/quote from Jesse Cole to make it feel even more like a press release straight from the Bananas organization.