If baseball had a rock star, it would be the Savannah Bananas. Forget the slow, methodical innings of traditional ball; the Bananas serve up acrobatics, dance breaks, and enough gimmicks to make a circus jealous, all while filling stadiums across the country. Millions of fans can’t get enough of their high-energy shows, and social media numbers suggest they might already be the most followed team in America, dwarfing even some MLB franchises.

Behind the yellow tuxedos and twerking umpires are Jesse and Emily Cole, the masterminds turning spectacle into serious business. Their barnstorming empire spans multiple teams, raking in eye-popping revenue while keeping tickets and merchandise astonishingly affordable. It’s a model that blends entertainment, marketing genius, and a hint of audacious charm, a reminder that in the world of sports, sometimes spectacle wins over tradition.

Who Owns the Savannah Bananas, and When Were They Founded?

Jesse Cole, the founder and owner of the Savannah Bananas, established the team in 2016. Known for his signature yellow tuxedo, Cole emphasizes marketing and fan-first experiences during every game. Under his guidance, the Bananas have attracted over two million fans across multiple stadiums and states in 2025 alone.

Cole transformed a collegiate summer baseball team into a national phenomenon through creative promotions and consistent touring. The organization now spans four teams, playing 115 games in 40 cities, including 17 Major League ballparks. Fans experience fast-paced Banana Ball with acrobatics, music, and interactive events, drawing a social media following of 21.5 million.

How Much Are the Savannah Bananas Worth?

The Savannah Bananas organization, owned entirely by Jesse and Emily Cole, is estimated to be worth around five hundred million dollars. Forbes projects the four-team barnstorming empire to generate over one hundred million dollars in 2025 revenue. Despite potential offers exceeding one billion dollars, the Coles maintain ownership, focusing on fan growth rather than maximizing valuation.

How Do the Savannah Bananas Make Money?

The Savannah Bananas generate most of their revenue from ticket sales, with nearly every game consistently sold out. Fans attend Banana Ball games across the country, creating demand that exceeds three million on the waiting list. Standard tickets range from thirty-five to forty dollars, while premium VIB tickets cost one hundred twenty-five dollars. The combination of affordable pricing and full stadiums ensures the organization captures significant live-event income annually.

Merchandise sales provide another major revenue stream, fueled by fans eager to purchase jerseys, hats, and collectibles. The Bananas operate numerous merchandise tents at every game, as well as an online store reaching their twenty-one million social media followers. The product line includes apparel, gloves, stuffed animals, and other themed items, contributing meaningfully to the company’s revenue. Separate accounting ensures merchandising is tracked independently, reinforcing its role as a standalone profit center.

Touring the country with Banana Ball games adds further income through extensive ticketing and event revenues, spanning one hundred fifteen dates across forty cities. Sponsorships and media deals complement these revenues, including partnerships with ESPN, Disney+, TruTV, and five corporate sponsors. Although media rights and sponsorships remain limited compared to major professional leagues, they provide incremental revenue and national exposure. Together, these income streams sustain the organization’s operations and continued national expansion.

How Much Revenue Do the Savannah Bananas Generate Each Year?

The Savannah Bananas organization generates more than one hundred million dollars in revenue annually, according to Forbes estimates. Ticket sales account for the majority, with nearly every game sold out and high demand across forty cities. Merchandise sales, including jerseys, hats, and collectibles, contribute significantly, supported by a social media following of over twenty-one million. Touring Banana Ball games across seventeen MLB stadiums and numerous minor league parks also drives substantial event-based income.

Sponsorships and media deals, while limited, add additional revenue through partnerships with ESPN, Disney+, and TruTV. The organization’s four teams combined reached over two million fans in 2025, doubling attendance from previous years. Revenue growth has been rapid, rising from approximately twenty million dollars in 2023 to over forty-five million in 2024. These income streams collectively ensure the Bananas remain profitable while expanding their national and digital presence.

What’s Next for the Savannah Bananas’ Growth and Valuation?

The Savannah Bananas plan to expand their league format by adding two additional teams for 2026. This expansion will increase the number of games and accommodate the three million fans currently on the waiting list. The organization continues to focus on touring across major league and minor league stadiums, maintaining strong attendance and fan engagement. By increasing game inventory and geographic reach, the Bananas aim to strengthen their national presence and brand recognition.

Future growth also includes potential international tours, building on successful domestic “World Tour” stops across forty cities. Jesse and Emily Cole emphasize maintaining affordable ticket pricing while expanding premium experiences and merchandise offerings. Current valuation estimates suggest the organization could approach one billion dollars if additional revenue streams are realized. Strategic expansion, coupled with consistent fan-first operations, positions the Bananas for continued growth and long-term financial sustainability.

Jesse and Emily Cole have turned the Savannah Bananas into a baseball spectacle unlike any other. Fans nationwide crave every twerk, backflip, and gimmick, proving entertainment sometimes outruns tradition. With their eye on expansion, the Bananas are poised to make the entire sports world scramble for tickets.