Company case study · 5 podcast episodes
Savannah Bananas
Savannah Bananas is a baseball team that has revolutionized the fan experience by making games more entertaining and engaging through innovative promotions and a unique game format called 'banana ball'. It came up on 5 podcast episodes (My First Million) between September 26, 2025 and February 5, 2026.
At a glance
| Discussed on | 5 episodes: My First Million |
|---|---|
| First and latest | September 26, 2025 to February 5, 2026 |
| Revenue and traction | The team has a waitlist of 3 million for tickets and sells out stadiums with 80,000 seats. |
| Category | Media |
Figures and claims are as told on the episodes, summarized from the transcript. Check the date: they describe the company at the time it aired.
What My First Million said
I spent 48 Hours With 10 Billionaires. Here’s What I Learned. · aired February 5, 2026 · hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Why it works
The business model combines sports with entertainment, creating a highly engaging and memorable experience for fans, which has resulted in a massive following and ticket demand.
Revenue and traction
The team has a waitlist of 3 million for tickets and sells out stadiums with 80,000 seats.
Founding story
Founded by Jesse Cole, who transformed a struggling minor league team into a highly sought-after entertainment option.
The playbook
Focus on creating a unique and entertaining customer experience, treating employees and players with high regard and making the experience feel special.
Also mentioned
Jesse Cole emphasizes the importance of culture and actions over mere words in the organization.
What My First Million said
How I Built a $1.7B Business Repairing Garage Doors · aired January 27, 2026 · hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Why it works
The team creates a fun and engaging atmosphere that attracts fans and builds a loyal community.
The playbook
Their approach is focused on entertainment, innovation, and customer engagement, making the game experience enjoyable for fans.
Also mentioned
The business has gained a reputation for its unconventional and exciting marketing strategies, leading to high levels of fan engagement.
What My First Million said
The (Improbable) Story of Savannah Bananas' Rise to a $1B Empire · aired December 5, 2025 · hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Why it works
The Savannah Bananas leverage creativity and showmanship to create a unique fan experience that stands out from typical sporting events, focusing on entertainment rather than just the game itself.
Revenue and traction
In 2016, the Savannah Bananas reached their first million dollars in revenue, with ticket prices at $15 that included all food and drinks.
Founding story
The team was started by Jesse Cole, who took over as general manager of a struggling team in Gastonia before moving to Savannah. They faced significant challenges, including seven figures in debt and a lack of community support initially.
The playbook
Key strategies include creating attention-grabbing promotions, offering an all-inclusive ticket pricing model, and continuously experimenting with new ideas to keep the fan experience fresh and engaging.
Also mentioned
The team has a multi-million-person waitlist for tickets and has 10 times more TikTok followers than the New York Yankees, showcasing their successful marketing and engagement strategies.
What My First Million said
3 Simple Businesses That Make Millions · aired December 3, 2025 · hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Why it works
Savannah Bananas engages fans not just with the game itself but with a variety of live entertainment experiences, creating a vibrant atmosphere that attracts a diverse audience.
The playbook
Focus on creating events that are more than just a game, appealing to fans' desire for social media-worthy experiences.
Also mentioned
They are recognized for their innovative approach to baseball entertainment and have gained a substantial following.
What My First Million said
He turned a broke team into a billion dollars · aired September 26, 2025 · hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Why it works
The Savannah Bananas focus on the entertainment value of the game, creating a fun atmosphere that appeals to families and casual fans alike. Their unique branding, community involvement, and fan-first approach resonate deeply with their audience, leading to a high demand for tickets.
Revenue and traction
The team generates between $70 million to $100 million in revenue annually, with a three million person waiting list for tickets. They also make a significant portion of their revenue through merchandise sales.
Founding story
Founded by Jesse Cole, who started as a general manager for a struggling summer league team, the Savannah Bananas were born out of a desire to transform the traditional baseball experience. After experimenting with various marketing tactics and promotions, Jesse and his wife moved to Savannah, took a chance on a new team, and turned it into a successful business.
The playbook
Key strategies include a flat ticket price that includes taxes, creative promotions, and a strict two-hour game limit. They also prioritize understanding the fan experience through data and feedback, continually innovating based on fan engagement.
Also mentioned
The team has garnered more TikTok followers than all MLB teams combined, indicating a strong social media presence and engagement. They also incorporate unique elements such as a dance team made up of grandmothers and a commitment to making baseball fun and accessible.