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Savannah Bananas Reveal Player Salaries in Unusual Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Licata | Last updated Jan 22, 2026 12:52 PM ET

There's no doubt about it: The Savannah Bananas poured rocket fuel on their growth in 2025 with the Banana Ball World Tour, which drew over two million spectators across 40 cities.

Banana Ball's expansion isn't stopping in 2026, either. The Banana Ball Championship League (BBCL) has two new competitors -- the Loco Beach Coconuts and Indianapolis Clowns -- bringing the sport up to six teams. The tour is getting bigger, too, with 75 stadiums across 45 states on the schedule this year.

Before the fun and games begin in late February, founder Jesse Cole and company released the 2026 Fans First Report, the organization's first annual update. Within it were transparent financial figures on merchandise sales, future investments, and perhaps the most intriguing detail, average player salaries.

It's an unusual move for a privately held company, but it's right in line with its mantra since day one: Fans first.

 "We know we have no obligation to share these details," Cole acknowledged in the report. "But we believe we have a responsibility to you to share who we are, what we stand for, and the ‘why’ behind our decisions."

Savannah Bananas team owner and master of ceremonies Jesse Cole.Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Banana Ball Players Are Now Earning Six Figures on Average

According to the report, the average salary this year for a Banana Ball player exceeds $100,000 -- north of $8,300 per month before taxes.

"This number has risen annually based on our growth and will continue to rise based on the number of fans we serve each year," the report stated. "Each team will play around 65 games during the year, which is 100 fewer games than MLB players, Minor Leagues, and any comparable league."

To put six-figure salaries in perspective, the median U.S. household income in 2024 was $83,730, while the average annual salary was $59,428.

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How Does It Compare to Minor League Baseball Players?

Compared to minor leaguers before 2023, Banana Ball players are doing astonishingly well for themselves. Compared to today's minor league players, they're still out-earning most by a healthy margin despite playing far fewer games across the calendar year.

Not only that, but the highest-paid minor leaguers are now capped at $100,000 in total compensation per season.

MLB and minor league players approved a new five-year collective bargaining agreement in spring 2023, leading to increased salaries and lifestyle improvements. This followed a $185 million lawsuit settlement paid by MLB in 2022 to approximately 24,000 players who took the field between 2009 and 2022.

As a result of the current CBA, here are the average salary ranges for today's minor league baseball players on their first contracts:

Rookie ball: $20,000 - $29,000
Single A: $26,000 - $33,000
High A: $27,000 - $34,000
Double A: $30,000 - $37,000
Triple A: $36,000 - $42,000

Keep in mind these salaries are paid out in-season, typically ranging from March to September, leaving the rest of the year open for additional income opportunities. Still, it's a testament to just how unique a sports and entertainment product the Bananas have established.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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