The Savannah Bananas are redefining baseball entertainment, announcing an unprecedented expansion for their 2026 season. The Banana Ball Championship League will welcome two new teams, the Loco Beach Coconuts and the Indianapolis Clowns, while embarking on a colossal tour across 75 stadiums in 45 states. Fans can expect an even bigger spectacle, with MLB legends joining the coaching ranks and a championship format that promises thrilling competition.
The phenomenon known as Banana Ball, spearheaded by the wildly popular Savannah Bananas, is gearing up for its most ambitious season yet. In a highly anticipated announcement on October 9, the league revealed its inaugural 2026 schedule and introduced two brand-new teams, signaling a significant leap in its mission to bring “baseball fun” to fans nationwide.
This expansion transforms the league from a four-team setup to a robust six-team competition. The existing roster—comprising the Savannah Bananas, the Party Animals, the Texas Tailgaters, and the Firefighters—will now be joined by fresh faces, promising new rivalries and even more of the entertaining, rule-bending action that has captivated millions. According to USA Today, this move marks a pivotal moment for the league’s growth, solidifying its place in the sports entertainment landscape.
The League’s Growing Footprint: More States, More Stadiums, More Fans
For 2026, the Banana Ball Championship League is casting a wider net than ever before. The league plans to visit an astounding 75 stadiums across 45 states, a testament to its surging popularity. This massive undertaking is expected to draw approximately 3.2 million fans, a significant increase from the 2 million attendees in 2025, according to statements from the team. This growth highlights the league’s ability to attract diverse audiences and fill venues typically reserved for major league sports.
Among the scheduled stops are 14 MLB stadiums and 10 football stadiums, including iconic venues like the Superdome in New Orleans and Gillette Stadium in New England. College football powerhouses like Texas A&M’s Kyle Field and Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium, both with capacities exceeding 100,000, are also on the itinerary. This strategic choice of venues underscores the Bananas’ ambition to play on the grandest stages and share their unique brand of baseball with an even larger audience.
Introducing the Newcomers: Loco Beach Coconuts and Indianapolis Clowns
The biggest news from the announcement was the introduction of the two expansion teams: the Loco Beach Coconuts and the Indianapolis Clowns. These additions bring fresh energy and unique themes to the Banana Ball universe. Each team comes with its own identity and coaching staff, enriching the league’s competitive and entertainment offerings.
The Loco Beach Coconuts
The Loco Beach Coconuts are poised to bring a vibrant, coastal vibe to the league. Their head coach will be Mark Crocco. Joining him as primetime coach is former MLB World Series Champion Shane Victorino, known for his dynamic play and charismatic personality during his time with the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox. According to Jesse Cole, the visionary creator of Banana Ball, the “beach theme will extend from the parking lot to the dugout, and everywhere in between,” promising an immersive experience for fans.
The Indianapolis Clowns
The Indianapolis Clowns carry a name steeped in baseball history, paying homage to a legendary team from the Negro League, a league of all-Black baseball players that thrived in the 1920s. Head coach Errick Fox will lead the Clowns, with former World Series Champion and Phillies slugger Ryan Howard serving as primetime coach. The decision to revive the Clowns’ name originated from a 2022 visit by the Savannah Bananas to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, where museum president Bob Kendrick drew parallels between the Bananas’ energetic play and the original Clowns. The original Indianapolis Clowns were celebrated for their showmanship, often referred to as the “Harlem Globetrotters of baseball,” a legacy that resonates perfectly with Banana Ball’s ethos.
“Banana Ball is all about energy, entertainment, flipping the script — and you know what? That’s exactly what the Negro Leagues brought to the game from day one. Flash. Innovation. Community and an unconditional love for the game. They were rockstars before the world called ballplayers that,” Fox stated, highlighting the historical significance and cultural impact of the team’s name, as reported by USA Today.
For more on the rich history of the Negro League and its enduring legacy, fans can explore resources like the official MLB.com Negro League history section.
The 2026 Season Breakdown: A Championship Quest
The 2026 season marks the inaugural year of the Banana Ball Championship League and will feature a comprehensive format designed to crown a true champion.
- Banana Ball Open (Preseason): The action kicks off with a preseason tournament running from February 26 to April 12, 2026. This “Open” event will determine one of the playoff spots.
- Regular Season: Following the preseason, a rigorous 50-game regular season will span from April through September.
- Playoffs and Banana Bowl: The top three teams from the regular season will advance to the playoffs, competing against the winner of the Banana Ball Open. The ultimate goal is the first-ever Banana Bowl, scheduled for October 10, 2026, where a champion will be crowned.
Kickoff and Key Tour Stops
The 2026 season officially begins with a special Banana Ball kickoff event in Tallahassee, Florida, from February 26-28, featuring three consecutive days of games:
- February 26: Loco Beach Coconuts vs. Firefighters at Dick Howser Stadium
- February 27: Indianapolis Clowns vs. Party Animals at Dick Howser Stadium
- February 28: Texas Tailgaters vs. Savannah Bananas at Doak Campbell Stadium
Beyond the kickoff, the expansive tour includes numerous high-profile matchups across the country, ensuring fans in various regions get a taste of Banana Ball magic. While 30 games will still be played at their home stadium in Savannah, Georgia, the vast majority of the schedule will be on the road.
Securing Your Spot: Ticket Information
Given the immense popularity of the Savannah Bananas, obtaining tickets for their games remains a sought-after experience. The team utilizes a specialized lottery system for ticket distribution. Fans interested in attending a game can enter the lottery online until October 31. It’s important to note that the date of entry does not impact one’s chances of being drawn.
Those selected through the random drawing will then have the opportunity to purchase official tickets. The team cautions fans about purchasing from third-party platforms like StubHub or Ticketmaster, as tickets sold on resale sites are frequently fraudulent. Original ticket prices will remain consistent, starting at $35, emphasizing the league’s commitment to accessibility for its growing fanbase.
The Banana Ball Phenomenon: A Deeper Look
Since their inception as an exhibition team in Savannah, Georgia, the Savannah Bananas have exploded in popularity, cultivating a unique baseball experience centered on entertainment. Their games feature a distinctive spin on traditional baseball rules, incorporating fan participation, elaborate dance routines, and acrobatic displays from the players. This “world tour” approach has allowed them to bypass traditional league structures and directly connect with fans, fostering an incredibly loyal and passionate community.
The addition of two new teams, alongside the existing lineup of the Bananas, Party Animals, Texas Tailgaters, and Firefighters, signifies a robust and well-planned expansion for the Banana Ball Championship League. This move allows for more games, broader reach, and increased opportunities for fans across the country to witness the spectacle firsthand. The league’s sustained growth, coupled with its commitment to a fan-first experience, promises an unforgettable 2026 season for baseball enthusiasts of all ages. For a full overview of all teams in the Banana Ball Championship League, visit the official Banana Ball website.
