The 2026 ESPY Awards got off to a controversial start as the Savannah Bananas, the exhibition baseball team known for their viral antics, took the stage at the David H. Koch Theater for an opening musical number. Dressed in their iconic yellow uniforms, the team performed their song “The Show Starts Now” in an attempt to energize the crowd. However, rather than excitement, the performance ignited a firestorm of criticism from fans and media personalities who felt the spotlight should have gone to actual professional sports.
Many viewers took to social media to express their displeasure, arguing that ESPN gave the Bananas more promotion than Major League Baseball itself. One fan tweeted, “ESPN gave the Savannah Bananas more promotion than the actual MLB.” Another wrote, “We as a society need to put a stop to this immediately.” The backlash was swift and loud, with critics accusing the network of prioritizing entertainment over genuine athletic achievement.
OutKick founder Clay Travis didn’t hold back, questioning the logic behind the choice. “What is the audience for a fake baseball team doing bad musical dance song ensemble pieces? Legit, I’m asking. Are there lots of sports fans clamoring for fake sports teams to do bad Broadway musicals? This seems like an audience of zero,” he said.
Motorsports fans also felt slighted, with one user pointing out, “Listen, if you’re into this kinda thing, that’s whatever, but the fact that the SAVANNAH BANANAS are going to get more coverage tonight from an opening scene dance party alone than the entirety of motorsports is nothing short of ridiculous.” This sentiment echoes broader frustration over NASCAR being snubbed at the ESPYS, where no tribute was given for Kyle Busch.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy unleashed a memorable rant during the broadcast. “What the [expletive]? What the [expletive] is this? Get the Bananas off my [expletive] screen. What the [expletive] are the Bananas doing?” he exclaimed. “I was watching ‘Chronicle’ on ABC, I look up and the Bananas are on my TV. This guy’s doing a pirouette. Get the Bananas off my TV.” His outburst captured the mood of many who tuned in expecting a celebration of sports excellence.
The Bananas, who have built a massive following through their quirky, fan-friendly brand of baseball, have previously drawn attention for their unique style. Earlier this year, Pat Sajak’s daughter was spotted at one of their games, adding to the team’s pop-culture crossover. But for ESPYS viewers, the line between entertainment and sports was crossed.
Even the Bananas’ on-field success didn’t shield them from the criticism. One fan remarked, “It’s so insane that ESPN cares more about this now than actual, real baseball played by people who are good at the game.” Another declared, “Listen, if you’re into this kinda thing, that’s whatever, but the fact that the SAVANNAH BANANAS are going to get more coverage tonight…” The sentiment was clear: the ESPYS should celebrate real athletes, not novelty acts.
If the backlash is any indication, the Bananas may not be invited back for a 2027 opener. For now, the sports world is left debating whether the ESPYS have lost their way, or if this was just a one-off misstep. Either way, the Bananas have certainly made their mark—for better or worse.
