Dancing With the Stars has added a new competitor to its Season 35 lineup: Jackson Olson, the Savannah Bananas second baseman turned online storyteller. The casting signals the show’s continued push to court younger viewers by mixing reality TV names with sports personalities and social-media creators.
ABC and Disney confirmed Olson’s participation during their upfront presentation this week, saying he will vie for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy when the season airs in the fall. The network also announced a wider reveal — including professional dance partners and additional celebrities — is set for Wednesday, Sept. 2 on Good Morning America.
Who is Jackson Olson?
Olson has become a familiar figure beyond minor-league diamonds thanks to a steady stream of videos and commentary about baseball, food and family life. His online presence blends game analysis with personal storytelling, helping him attract followers outside traditional sports audiences.
He is also publicly dating Maggie Sajak, known for her connections to Wheel of Fortune and frequent media appearances. The couple has posted photos together and confirmed their relationship on social platforms, and Olson has told outlets he’s adjusting to a long-distance dynamic while trying to spend more time with Sajak, who lives on the opposite coast.
What’s already been announced for Season 35
- Confirmed cast so far: Maura Higgins (reality TV alum), Ciara Miller (Summer House), and Jackson Olson (Savannah Bananas).
- Full cast reveal: Scheduled for Sept. 2 on Good Morning America, when pro partners will also be announced.
- When to watch: ABC says the series will return in the fall, simulcasting live on ABC and Disney+ and available next-day on Hulu; a specific premiere date has not been set.
- Competition prize: Dancers will compete for the Mirrorball Trophy.
Last season the series saw a notable ratings uptick, with industry coverage describing Season 34 as one of the most-watched in years. Producers have leaned into casting personalities who bring strong social followings — a strategy that helps drive voting and streaming engagement among younger viewers.
Why this matters now
Bringing in a player like Olson highlights two trends: the blending of sports personalities with mainstream entertainment programming, and the increasing value of performers who are also content creators. For ABC and Disney, those crossover talents can translate into broader social reach and higher interactive viewership — factors that helped boost last season’s finale numbers.
For viewers, the season promises a different mix of backgrounds on the dance floor, from reality stars to influencer-athletes. That diversity could affect everything from choreography choices to fan voting patterns, and it underscores a larger shift in how networks build audiences in the streaming era.
ABC will provide more details about the remaining cast and their professional partners on Sept. 2; until then, the announced names give a clear signal about the direction producers are taking as they prepare for Season 35.
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