The highest paid NBA mascot will blow your mind. Seriously.
You probably never even considered it, but being an NBA mascot is a pretty lucrative career. Mascots usually start out working in the minor leagues, where they earn a starting salary of about $25,000, but once you make it to the ranks of a mascot for an NFL, NBA, MLB or NHL franchise, the average salary shoots up to about $60,000, according to ESPN. However, some mascots earn much more than that.
Like, much more.
The highest-paid NBA mascot is Rocky, the mountain lion mascot of the Denver Nuggets. Fox reports he earns $625,000 per year.
Let that sink in for a minute. $625,000 a year.
Not that it’s not well earned. Mascots play a really important role in NBA games. They entertain the crowd, pump up the energy in the building, and help to create a positive atmosphere. They are also valuable ambassadors for their teams.
In addition to their work at games, mascots also make appearances at other events, such as community functions, corporate events, and even birthday parties. They are often required to travel with their teams, which can be a demanding part of the job.
Despite the challenges, being an NBA mascot can be a rewarding career. It is a chance to work in professional sports, be creative, and interact with fans of all ages. If you are looking for a unique and exciting career, becoming an NBA mascot may be the perfect opportunity for you.
Let’s take a look at the salaries of the top five highest-paid NBA mascots according to Fox:
5. Hugo the Hornet
Hugo the Hornet from the Charlotte Hornets pulls in $100,000 a year.
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
4. Go the Gorilla
Go the Gorilla is from the Phoenix Suns and he makes $200,000 a year!
Photo by. Getty
3. Benny the Bull
Benny the Bull from the Chicago Bulls brings in $400,000 a year!
Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
2. Harry the Hawk
Harry the Hawk from the Atlanta Hawks rakes in $600,000 a year!
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
1. Rocky
Rocky from the Denver Nuggets is the highest paid NBA mascot with an annual income of $625,000!
Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
