The Savannah Bananas are taking the new “Name, Image, and Likeness” opportunities literally, seriously, and perfectly Bananas. In collaboration with their players, the team will wear 29 uniquely designed jerseys on July 30. Each jersey will feature the player’s specific picture – chosen by that player – their name, Bananas logos, and player number. The authentic, game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off to fans during the July 30 regular season finale. All profits from the jerseys will be divided evenly and go directly to the players now that college athletes can be paid for the use of their name, image, and likeness. Fans who miss out on the authentic, game-worn jersey will have 48 hours after the game to purchase replica jerseys for their favorite player. The Bananas are committing $20 from every replica jersey sold to be paid to the individual player for the collaboration.

“We’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time,” said Jared Orton, Bananas Team President. “This will be the first time that players’ faces can and will be on their own jersey. It’s historic for college athletes and it’s huge for the fans of these players,” he continued.

Name, image, and likeness regulations were relaxed by the NCAA on July 1. It is believed that July 30 will be the first time in history that fans can buy a jersey that was a collaboration between a team and a college athlete. Bananas players will also be the first college athletes in history to receive their royalties under the new name, image, and likeness freedoms. The most popular jersey over the weekend will stay available for fans to purchase online and at the stadium until next season.