How Savannah Bananas’ Pioneer Broke Baseball’s Unwritten Rules to Turn a $1,800,000 Debt to Minting Over $200,000 Per Game

Baseball has long been one of the United States’ favorite pastimes. But the Savannah Bananas have reinvented the game and brought new energy to baseball. Over the last couple of years, the Bananas have set social media ablaze with their dynamic, dance-filled style of play. The team focuses on the fans and giving them the best experience. 

Moreover, the team now earns $200,000 per game, filling up stadiums and keeping the fans entertained. But this wasn’t always the case. In fact, the team’s owners were once $1.8 million in debt. Let’s have a closer look at the Bananas and their rise to the top. 

Jesse Cole built the Savannah Bananas from nothing

Jesse Cole started the Savannah Bananas as a fan-first team, focusing on entertaining his spectators above all else. He did this using strategies that he had tested as the General Manager of the Gastonia Grizzlies. Entrepreneur and Investor Joe Pompliano shared a Tweet stating that the Bananas had gone from $1.8 million in debt to earning $200,000 per home game. This was all because of Cole’s approach to the game.

In the Tweet, Pompliano said, “The Savannah Bananas are the best story in sports. Their owner went $1.8 million in debt to build the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball — and it’s working. The team now makes $200,000 per home game and is about to embark on a 70-game tour across 22 states.” When Cole started the Bananas, he and his wife sold their house and emptied their savings account to build the team. 

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Cole allowed fans to choose the team’s name and implemented a set of new promos to draw fans. He priced tickets at $20 including food and drinks and made the games more interactive. The crowds started pouring in huge numbers. But in order to keep fans involved and interested, Cole introduced new rules such as a 2-hour time limit and no bunting. These new ideas and rules took their popularity to a whole new level, earning them social media followers and an ESPN documentary.

The Bananas are now tasting success

The Savannah Bananas are now one of the most popular teams in the United States. Their mid-game dances have drawn them to social media fame as well as the tune of more than 5 million followers. One Houston Astros star recently nailed some street dancing moves. But getting back to the Bananas, they are earning $200,000 per game and earn six figures from their merchandise business online.

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Jesse Cole took a simple idea of focusing on the fan and created this multi-million dollar success story. What do you think of the Savannah Bananas and their growth over the years? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!