How much do Savannah Bananas players make? Highest paid, average salary and more to know originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Savannah Bananas may be a polarizing enterprise, but there is no doubt they know how to fill seats. As long as the Bananas are selling out baseball stadiums and football stadiums alike, the revenue is going to keep coming in. How much of it goes to the players?
The Bananas can't operate exactly like a professional baseball team, but there is absolutely some skill required to play the game in between the theatrics. Many of the players on the Bananas or their Banana Ball rivals are former players, whether at the college or minor-league levels.
Suiting up in yellow is one way for players to make a name for themselves if their professional careers don't pan out, but does it pay well enough to be a career in itself?
Here's what you need to know about Savannah Bananas player salaries and more.
MORE: What is 'Banana Ball' and how do rules differ from baseball?
Savannah Bananas players do get paid, and their salaries are on the rise as fan interest in Banana Ball rises.
According to Forbes and a new report from the Banana Ball league, Bananas players are paid enough money to serve as a living wage, so players today don't necessarily have to work another job.
Here are the details on Savannah Bananas player salaries.
After years of privacy, Banana Ball commissioner Jesse Cole released a detailed report ahead of the 2026 season that revealed the average player salary is now more than $100,000.
"We know we have no obligation to share these details," Cole said in revealing 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."
The report states that player salaries have risen annually and will continue to rise based on the number of fans Banana Ball serves.
While player salaries were never disclosed before 2026 and aren't available on an individual basis, it was previously reported that Savannah Bananas players made more than the average minor-league baseball player. A June 2025 feature on the Bananas by Forbes also confirmed that player contracts include full health benefits.
MORE: Do the Savannah Bananas always win? You might be surprised
Savannah Bananas players make an average of more than $100,000 per year, according to Banana Ball commissioner Jesse Cole. 2026 marked the first time the league released any specific figure regarding player salaries, so it isn't clear how quickly the average salary has risen.
Going forward, the sky might be the limit for the Bananas and their players. With high ticket demands and TV deals, more money is likely to flow in — and the players should continue to benefit from that exposure in more ways than one. Cole said player salaries are expected to keep increasing as revenue increases, with two new teams and more tour stops on tap for 2026.
The exact salaries for each Bananas player are not known. In fact, not even average salaries for players were known until 2026. Players are paid all year round, however, unlike in professional baseball.
As of early 2026, the Bananas have 31 players on their roster, up from 25 in 2025. None have played in the major leagues, though former MLB players have made plenty of guest appearances for the team and others in the league. Here is a complete look at the Bananas' roster.
Forbes reported in late 2025 that Banana Ball is now bringing in more than $100 million in revenue per year, up from about $10 million in 2023. The organization as a whole is worth about $500 million, the outlet estimates.
It's no surprise that figure has risen so quickly. The Bananas are now filling football stadiums on their American tours, and they have broadcast deals in place to air certain games on national TV. Banana Ball also added two more teams in 2026.