A list of 10 of the most famous WNBA mascots in the league currently

A list of 10 of the most famous WNBA mascots in the league currently

Helix Odhiambo
May 8, 2024 at 6:21 AM

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is home to the world's best women's basketball talents and stars. The league has grown, attracting top female talents, teams, and mascots. WNBA mascots are unique figures that boost team spirit and morale. They also encourage and unite fans during games.

WNBA mascots and their names
Indiana Fever's mascot, Freddy Fever (L), on 25 May 2019. Atlanta's, Star (C), on 26 May 2018. Buckets (R) of the Aces on 17 August 2022. Photo: TMB, Ethan Miller, Rich Biberstein (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

Mascots have become famous figures in sports, with different teams using them as a marketing tool and players' motivation when playing. Mascots take various forms, including human characters, animals, or objects.

WNBA mascots and their names

The WNBA was founded on 22 April 1996 as the women's counterpart to the men's National Basketball Association (NBA). The women's competition consists of 12 teams based in the United States. Each team has a mascot that represents their identity and culture.

Sports Brief gathered information from multiple sources, such as the Mascot Hall of Fame and Crooked Scoreboard, to list all WNBA mascots in the 2023-24 season and their history.

WNBA mascot

Team

Freddy Fever

Indiana Fever

Lightning

Dallas Wings

Scorch

Phoenix Mercury

Sparky

Los Angeles Sparks

Ellie the Elephant

New York Liberty

Prowl

Minnesota Lynx

Star

Atlanta Dream

Sky Guy

Chicago Sky

Blaze

Connecticut Sun

Buckets

Las Vegas Aces

Doppler

Seattle Storm

Pax

Washington Mystics

12. Freddy Fever

What is Freddy Fever mascot?
Indiana Fever's mascot, Freddy Fever (L), and Indiana Pacers' mascot, Boomer (R), during the 500 Festival Parade on 25 May 2019, in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo: Jeffrey Brown
Source: Getty Images

What is Freddy Fever mascot? It is one of the best WNBA mascots and a fan favourite among children because of its lovable character. Freddy often entertains fans by travelling on the court using a scooter or a motorcycle.

  • Debut: June 2000
  • Team: Indiana Fever
  • Home ground: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
  • Type: Costumed character
  • Description: Unique

11. Lightning

Dallas Wings' mascot, Lightning
Dallas Wings' mascot, Lightning, entertains fans before their WNBA game against the Washington Mystics at College Park Center on 28 July 2023 in Texas, United States. Photo: Javier Vicencio
Source: Getty Images

Lightning is known for her bright personality and cheerful enthusiasm. The winged horse, which has a unique origin as a Pegasus, represents the Dallas Wings.

  • Debut: 20 May 2017
  • Team: Dallas Wings
  • Home ground: College Park Center
  • Type: Costumed character
  • Description: Horse

10. Scorch

What kind of animal is Scorch, Mercury mascot?
Phoenix Mercury's mascot, Scorch, at Chase Field (R) on 13 June 2010 and at Michelob ULTRA Arena on 15 July 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Ethan Mille, Christian Petersen (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

What kind of animal is Scorch, Mercury's mascot? Scorch is a purple animal with a unique appearance that resembles a dog and is more masculine. Scorch is multitalented and can dance, dunk, and perform incredible moves. The Phoenix Mercury shared a video on Instagram on 12 May 2016 of Scorch scoring from a distance, with the words,

"There's a reason our mascot is named Scorch."
  • Debut: Unknown
  • Team: Phoenix Mercury
  • Home ground: Footprint Center
  • Type: Costumed character
  • Description: Unique

9. Sparky

Los Angeles Sparks mascot, Sparky
Sparky, the Los Angeles Sparks' mascot, pumps up the crowd before their game against the Washington Mystics at Staples Center on 19 May 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Leon Bennett
Source: Getty Images

Sparky reportedly began performing in high school games before moving to the women's basketball league. According to the Mascot Company, Sparky was re-designed in 2015, receiving a new look and attitude. He has entertained fans with his dance moves and antics and motivated basketball players.

  • Debut: June 2007
  • Team: Los Angeles Sparks
  • Home ground: Crypto.com Arena
  • Type: Costumed character
  • Description: Dog

8. Ellie the Elephant

Why is the NY Liberty mascot an elephant?
NY Liberty's mascot Ellie the Elephant (L) performs on 18 June 2023 at Barclays Center. Maddie (R) at Madison Square Garden on 13 May 2017. Photo: Erick W. Rasco, Erica Denhoff (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

The New York Liberty introduced Ellie the Elephant during their 25th anniversary season in May 2021, replacing their old one, Maddie. According to Net Daily, Maddie was named after Madison Square Garden and unveiled in 1997. Is Maddie Liberty's mascot? The team's CEO, Keia Clarke, told WNBA about Ellie and what it means for Maddie.

"As the newest member of the New York Liberty family, Ellie is symbolic of the franchise's long-awaited journey to Brooklyn. While Maddie will remain an integral part of this 25th anniversary season, we are proud to introduce Ellie to our loyal fanbase."
  • Debut: May 2021
  • Team: The New York Liberty
  • Home ground: Barclays Center
  • Type: Costumed character
  • Description: Elephant

7. Prowl

Best WNBA mascots
Minnesota Lynx's mascot, Prowl, cheers the crowd during a WNBA game against the Seattle Storm on 26 June 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, MN. Photo: Nick Wosika
Source: Getty Images

The mascot's piercing blue eyes and signature sly smile make it unique. Prowl is a fun-loving character who loves to dunk and get the crowd roaring.

  • Debut: Unknown
  • Team: Minnesota Lynx
  • Home ground: Target Center
  • Type: Costumed character
  • Description: Cat, Lynx

6. Star

Atlanta Dream's mascot, Star, at the Hank McCamish Pavilion
Star, the Atlanta Dream's mascot, entertains the crowd during the WNBA game against the Phoenix on 3 June 2018 at Hank McCamish Pavilion in Atlanta, GA. Photo: Rich von Biberstein
Source: Getty Images

The legendary Atlanta Dream's mascot retired in 2020 after 12 seasons with the women's basketball team. Henry Herald reported that Star the Bird appeared in three WNBA Finals and eight playoffs while serving the Atlanta Dream.

  • Debut: 2008
  • Team: Atlanta Dream
  • Home ground: Gateway Center Arena
  • Type: Costumed character
  • Description: Bird

5. Sky Guy

Chicago Sky's mascot, Sky Guy, waves a flag
Chicago Sky's mascot, Sky Guy, waves the Chicago Sky flag before the game against the Los Angeles Sparks on 22 July 2018 at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Quinn Harris
Source: Getty Images

Sky Guy is among the famous WNBA mascots who entertain fans with their skills and charm. He has served the Chicago-based team for nearly a decade and won the hearts of fans.

  • Debut: 2006
  • Team: Chicago Sky
  • Home ground: Wintrust Arena
  • Type: Costume human character
  • Description: Human

4. Blaze

Connecticut Sun's mascot, Blaze
Blaze, the Connecticut Sun's mascot, pumps up the crowd during the WNBA game against the Connecticut Sun on 17 July 2022 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. Photo: Erica Denhoff
Source: Getty Images

The free-spirited, unique mascot has a lively orange coat and energy that often fires up the crowd at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Blaze is also known for his joy-filled dances at WNBA games. He usually features on the Sun's Tiktok page, having fun with fans.

  • Debut: Unknown
  • Team: Connecticut Sun
  • Home ground: Mohegan Sun Arena
  • Type: Costumed character
  • Description: Unique

3. Buckets

Las Vegas Aces' mascot Buckets dunks at Michelob ULTRA Arena
Las Vegas Aces' mascot Buckets dunks using a trampoline during the 2022 WNBA Playoffs against the Phoenix Mercury at Michelob ULTRA Arena on 20 August 2022 in Las Vegas. Photo: Ethan Miller
Source: Getty Images

The Las Vegas Aces' mascot, Buckets, won the 2022 WNBA Mascot of the Year award for outstanding performance. Buckets has provided endless entertainment for Aces fans for years. According to the WNBA, he was named after a black-tailed jackrabbit from the Mojave Desert in Utah and Texas, as described by the WNBA.

  • Debut: Around 2018
  • Team: Las Vegas Aces
  • Home ground: Michelob ULTRA Arena
  • Type: Costumed character
  • Description: Rabbit

2. Doppler

Seattle Storm's mascot, Doppler
Doppler, the Seattle Storm's mascot, gets the crowd ready against the Minnesota Lynx at the Angel of the Winds Arena on 11 September 2019 in Everett, Washington. Photo: Alika Jenner
Source: Getty Images

Doppler is a unique mascot that has served the Seattle Storm for many years. He is known for his inspiration and creativity on the sidelines at Climate Pledge Arena.

  • Debut: Unknown
  • Team: Seattle Storm
  • Home ground: Climate Pledge Arena
  • Type: Costumed character
  • Description: Unique

1. Pax

Pax the Panda at Entertainment & Sports Arena
The Washington Mystics' mascot, Pax the Panda, performs during their game against the Dallas Wings at Entertainment & Sports Arena on 2 June 2023 in Washington. Photo: Scott Taetsch
Source: Getty Images

Is Pax the best WNBA mascot? Pax the Panda is familiar among Washington Mystics fans and WNBA followers. He is known for his flexible moves, dances, and ability to uplift the crowd.

  • Debut: 2006
  • Team: Washington Mystics
  • Home ground: Entertainment & Sports Arena
  • Type: Costumed character
  • Description: Panda Bear

Trivia

WNBA mascots have gained popularity, attracting many fans just like NBA mascots. They have played vital roles in entertaining fans, cheering players, and improving women's sports. Here are some frequently asked questions about the costumed characters.

What is the Dallas Wings mascot?

Lightning has served as the Dallas Wings' mascot since debuting on 20 May 2017. She became the first female mascot representing a Dallas/Fort Worth-area team in the WNBA.

Why is the NY Liberty mascot an elephant?

The New York Liberty chose Ellie the Elephant as its mascot because the animal represents strength, power, wisdom, and determination. Elephant's attributes are synonymous with the team's commitment to Brooklyn, its players, and its loyal fans.

What is the mascot for the Philadelphia Wings?

The Philadelphia Wings are a box lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League Eastern Conference. The team unveiled its mascot, Wingston, on 9 November 2018. Wingston has a tail and golden wings on either side of his head.

Final word

WNBA mascots have significantly changed women's basketball. Their lovable characters and ability to connect with fans have made them famous and entertaining.

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Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.