Rumble_the_Bison
Rumble the Bison
Official mascot of the Oklahoma City Thunder
Rumble the Bison is the official mascot of the Oklahoma City Thunder, a National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He is an anthropomorphic bison and his name derives from the sound that thunder makes. Rumble debuted on February 17, 2009, as part of the halftime show during the Thunder's game against the New Orleans Hornets.[1][2]
On August 13, 2009, Rumble was awarded the NBA Mascot of the Year award at the NBA's annual mascot meeting in Las Vegas. Rumble received the award in recognition of representing the Thunder at various community events throughout the Oklahoma City region. Even though he had only served as the team's official mascot for six months at the time, the mascot program Rumble developed was regarded as one of the best in the NBA.[3] Rumble is a very popular mascot on account of his interaction with fans. He constantly gives hugs, high fives, and T-shirts to fans at random.
Rumble's trademark is banging a bass drum at the start of each game to hype the home crowds. He has played drums of all sizes for a variety of purposes as well.
It is estimated that the performer who brings the mascot to life earns between $80,000 and $100,000 a year.[4][5]