Rumble takes over Thunder Thursday as the Thunder encourages fans to vote for him as the NBA’s best mascot

Rumble the Bison brought some Thunder energy to News 9 on Thursday as Oklahoma City fans rally behind the mascot in a national contest.

The Oklahoma City Thunder mascot is nominated for Best NBA Mascot in the USA Today Sports Readers’ Choice Awards.

RELATED: Rumble the Bison nominated for USA Today NBA mascot award

During Thunder Thursday, Rumble stopped by the News 9 studio as the team encouraged fans to vote.

Rumble didn’t limit his visit to campaigning for votes.

The mascot surprised the News 9 team on set before eventually joining Chief Meteorologist David Payne at the weather wall.

The appearance came as Thunder fans are encouraged to continue voting daily through the contest deadline.

Fans can visit OKCThunder.com/VoteRumble to reach the USA Today voting page.

Anyone 18 and older can cast one vote every day through Oct. 21.

The contest pits Rumble against other NBA mascots, giving Thunder fans a chance to support one of the franchise’s most recognizable figures.

Thunder representatives said during Thursday’s appearance that fans can also vote in other categories involving Oklahoma City and the Thunder.

Rumble has previously earned recognition from the NBA.

He was named NBA Mascot of the Year in 2009. In 2022, he received the inaugural Community Impact Award at the NBA Mascot Conference.

Rumble also makes more than 200 community appearances each year, according to information provided by the Thunder.

His community involvement became part of the conversation during Thunder Thursday, as the News 9 team highlighted his presence at events across Oklahoma.

Cassidy Mudd joined the News 9 team in June 2026 as a digital producer and is excited to tell the stories that matter most to Oklahomans.