By now, we all know the Bananas are a big deal. You can’t walk around Savannah without bumping into someone wearing yellow merch or hear about their sold out national tour without feeling a bit of pride and maybe a little fatigue too. The team that started as a quirky local experiment has officially become a full blown entertainment empire.
Still, the Bananas are showing no signs of slowing down. At their recent City Selection Show held at Grayson Stadium, the team announced its biggest expansion yet. In 2026, they’ll launch the Banana Ball Championship League, expanding to six teams and playing in 75 stadiums across 45 states, including major stops like Wrigley Field, the Superdome, and college football powerhouses like Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium and Texas A&M’s Kyle Field.
And yes, Savannah is still very much part of the picture. Around 25 games are planned for Historic Grayson Stadium next year, including the Banana Ball Open in April and the playoffs in October, keeping their roots planted right where it all began.
Two new teams are joining the lineup: the Indianapolis Clowns and the Loco Beach Coconuts.
The Clowns are a tribute to one of baseball’s most creative and historic teams, the original Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League, often called the “Harlem Globetrotters of baseball.” They even played in Savannah decades ago, making their return a full circle moment.
The Coconuts, on the other hand, are pure Bananas energy — loud, colorful, and unapologetically weird. Expect beach vibes, wild outfits, and plenty of fun.
The new league will officially kick off in Tallahassee, Florida, at Florida State University, where all six teams will play during a three day weekend event.
For locals, the Bananas’ expansion might feel familiar at this point. Another year, another big announcement, another reminder that the rest of the country has caught on. But it’s still something to be proud of. The team continues to bring national attention to Savannah, and with every headline or ESPN highlight, it keeps our city in the spotlight for something fun and uniquely creative.
Of course, the team’s popularity means it’s harder than ever to snag tickets at Grayson. Some locals miss the smaller, community feel the Bananas once had, but that’s the price of success.
Even so, it’s hard not to root for them. No matter how far Banana Ball travels or how many stadiums it fills, it all started right here in Savannah. And at least for now, we still get to call them ours.
