Ranking the 5 Highest Paid Mascots in Sports

The highest paid mascots in sports prove that life inside the costume can be just as lucrative as life on the court or field.

These energetic entertainers are the heartbeat of every arena, hyping up fans, flipping off trampolines, and dancing through timeouts. 

The best sports mascots don’t just entertain; they perform, connect, and cash in big for bringing the game-day magic to life. See which famous sports mascots earnt the most.

What Does a Sports Mascot Actually Do?

Let’s be honest: being a mascot might look easy from the stands, but it’s hard work. 

Mascots are responsible for pumping up the crowd, entertaining kids, firing up players, and showing up at team events year-round. They’re acrobats, comedians, and hype machines all rolled into one.

Add in the 30-pound costume, blinding lights, and heat that can hit over 100 degrees inside the suit, and you’ll start to see why the best mascots are built like athletes. 

It takes skill, stamina, and a love for chaos to keep that energy going all season long.

The 5 Highest Paid Mascots in Sports

Not all mascots earn peanuts. Some have turned their sideline antics into full-time, six-figure careers. 

Here’s who’s sitting at the top of the mascot money mountain.

Hugo the Hornet – Charlotte Hornets (NBA) – $100,000 per year

Buzzing onto the scene in 1988, Hugo the Hornet has been Charlotte’s most recognizable ambassador for over three decades.

Known for his trampoline dunks, slick dance routines, and mischievous humor, Hugo has helped define the Hornets’ fun, family-first brand since the team’s inception. Over the years, several performers have donned the purple-and-teal suit, each adding their spin on Hugo’s signature blend of energy and acrobatics.

Hugo’s performances often include daredevil stunts launched from mini-trampolines, fan-interaction skits that go viral, and halftime dance battles that rival the players’ entertainment value. 

Despite a short retirement during the Bobcats era (2004–2014), his return brought nostalgia and renewed fan engagement. Today, he earns around $100,000 annually, proving that keeping the crowd buzzing in Charlotte is a serious gig – and one that requires both showmanship and serious athleticism.

4. The Coyote – San Antonio Spurs (NBA) – $200,000 per year

One of the NBA’s longest-tenured mascots, The Coyote debuted in 1983 and has been bringing chaos and laughter to Spurs fans ever since.

A mix of slapstick comedy, relentless energy, and creative skits, The Coyote is more than just a sideline act; he’s a certified legend, inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2007.

Over four decades, The Coyote has been portrayed by just a handful of dedicated performers, each mastering the balance of physical comedy and athletic finesse. He’s known for elaborate pranks, choreographed routines, and interacting with fans in hilarious, unpredictable ways; from stealing popcorn to staging fake injuries mid-game.

The Coyote’s unique ability to adapt his humor to modern audiences, while maintaining his classic cartoonish charm, has made him a fixture in San Antonio’s sports culture. His antics, from mock proposals to dance-offs with referees, earn him roughly $200,000 a year, a fitting paycheck for one of basketball’s most beloved mascots.

3. Benny the Bull – Chicago Bulls (NBA) – $400,000 per year

As one of the most famous mascots in professional sports, Benny the Bull has been entertaining Chicago fans since 1969, making him the NBA’s longest-running mascot character.

Over the years, several performers have stepped into the costume, with Barry Anderson’s 12-year run (2003–2016) often cited as the golden era, where Benny evolved into a viral superstar.

Benny’s signature moves include high-flying trampoline dunks, confetti cannons, and his legendary popcorn showers, where he douses entire sections of the United Center. He’s also known for his impeccable timing with in-game pranks, comedic crowd interactions, and elaborate dance numbers that have earned him millions of online views.

Named Mascot of the Year multiple times, Benny’s combination of humor, athleticism, and heart makes him an integral part of the Bulls’ brand. Earning an estimated $400,000 annually, he’s not just part of the game-day experience; he’s a Chicago institution whose charisma transcends generations of fans.

2. Gritty – Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) – $400,000 per year

When Gritty burst onto the scene in 2018, the world didn’t know what to make of him; a wide-eyed, orange-furred creature that looked equal parts nightmare and national treasure.

Within weeks, he became a viral sensation, turning confusion into adoration. Today, Gritty is not just a mascot. He’s a pop culture icon, appearing in memes, TV spots, and political protests while redefining what a modern mascot can be.

Gritty’s unpredictable personality – from slapstick rink antics to online trolling – perfectly mirrors Philadelphia’s gritty, no-nonsense attitude. He’s pulled off everything from high-speed ice stunts to mock fights with opposing fans and even once rappelled from the Wells Fargo Center rafters to make a grand entrance.

Since debuting, only one performer has portrayed Gritty, maintaining the consistent chaotic charm that fans love. His blend of hockey culture, internet humor, and fearless showmanship earns him about $400,000 per year, solidifying his place as one of the most influential mascots of the modern era.

Rocky the Mountain Lion – Denver Nuggets (NBA) – $625,000 per year

Reigning supreme as the highest paid mascot in sports, Rocky the Mountain Lion has been the heart of Denver Nuggets entertainment since 1990.

Performed by the legendary Kenn Solomon (the original and only Rocky for over 30 years), his athletic stunts, acrobatics, and perfectly timed comedy routines have set the standard for mascot excellence.

Rocky’s high-flying half-court dunks, rope descents from arena rafters, and gymnastic trick shots have wowed fans for decades. Beyond the court, he’s performed at over 5,000 community events, making him as vital to Denver’s local culture as he is to the Nuggets’ home games.

Despite a famous fainting incident before a 2013 game that went viral, Rocky remains a fan favorite, respected by players and peers alike. His record-breaking $625,000 annual salary reflects not only his longevity but also his role as a trailblazer who elevated mascoting into an art form – and a serious career.

Honorable Mentions

While Rocky and Gritty lead the pack, several other mascots deserve a shoutout for their talent and fan followings:

• Sourdough Sam – San Francisco 49ers (NFL): With his frontier charm and big personality, Sam earns a respectable salary estimated around $85,000 per year.
• Slider – Cleveland Guardians (MLB): A pink, fuzzy icon since the ’90s, Slider adds heart and humor to Cleveland baseball and earns roughly $60,000 annually.
• Staley Da Bear – Chicago Bears (NFL): Known for his mix of slapstick comedy and old-school football grit, Staley pulls in about $70,000 per year.
• Orbit – Houston Astros (MLB): This green alien brings out-of-this-world energy to Astros games, with a salary believed to be near $80,000 per year.

Together, these famous mascots represent the best of the NHL, NBA, MLB, and NFL, and they prove that being the face (and fur) of a franchise can be a pretty rewarding gig.

The Lowest Paid Mascots

Of course, not everyone in the mascot world is cashing superstar checks. The average professional mascot makes between $25,000 and $60,000 a year, depending on the team, city, and league. 

College and minor league mascots often earn less than $15,000 per season, though many see it as a stepping stone or passion project rather than a job.

They might not make the big bucks, but these mascots still bring joy to fans, and that’s priceless.

Of course, not everyone working in sports wears a costume — some chase profits through sports betting careers, where discipline and strategy can make all the difference.

Fun Facts About Mascot Life

Behind the silly costumes and big smiles are talented performers with serious skills and plenty of stories to tell.

Why Mascots Matter

The highest paid mascots in sports aren’t just side characters. They’re part of what makes sports fun. They keep fans engaged, lift the mood when the team’s struggling, and create unforgettable moments for kids and adults alike.

So, the next time you see a mascot flipping through the air, dancing in the aisles, or cracking up the crowd, remember there’s a hardworking entertainer inside that costume who might just be one of the highest paid performers on the field.

If you like sports mascots, chances are you like betting on sports, too. If so, make sure you check out our list of the best sports betting sites.