Overview
- Disney confirmed Olson’s spot at its Upfronts on Tuesday, naming the Savannah Bananas second baseman and influencer as the third announced contestant after Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller.
- The company expanded its Bananas deal to stream 25 games on Disney+ and the ESPN app, with select matchups on ESPN and ABC, and to carry the Banana Bowl championship live on Disney+ in October.
- ABC says the show returns this fall with live simulcasts on ABC and Disney+ and next‑day Hulu, with the full cast and pro pairings set for Sept. 2 on Good Morning America.
- Olson joined the Bananas in 2022 and has built a large online following through baseball skits and dance trends, giving DWTS a contestant with a built‑in social audience.
- Dancing with the Stars is building on Season 34’s rebound — its best finale in nearly a decade and 72 million finale votes — by leaning into athletes and social media stars to pull in younger viewers.