Walk into the American Airlines Center on a Tuesday night and you’ll see the usual suspects. Luka is hitting a step-back. The ManiAACs are doing their thing. And somewhere, lurking near the baseline or prepping a trampoline, is a guy who looks like he just stepped out of a 90s comic book.
He’s not a horse. That’s Champ.
We’re talking about the Dallas Mavericks Mavs Man, the mascot that basically redefined what it means to be "creepy yet impressive" for three decades. If you grew up in Dallas, you either loved his high-flying dunks or had nightmares about his skin. Seriously, why did he have basketball-textured skin?
The Identity Crisis: Human or Ball?
Mavs Man isn't your standard fuzzy animal. He’s a "humanoid" mascot. When he first showed up in 1996, the vibe was very different. Back then, the Mavericks were, honestly, not great. We were years away from the Dirk era really taking flight. The team needed energy, and they decided the best way to get it was a man with a basketball for a head.
Wait, not a basketball for a head. A man whose face was a basketball.
The original design featured orange, dimpled skin and a permanent, slightly unsettling grin. It was peak 90s marketing—extreme, loud, and a little bit weird. For years, fans debated if he was a superhero or a laboratory accident. Most people just knew him as the guy who could jump off a trampoline and do a 360-degree windmill dunk while you were still trying to finish your nachos.
Why Mavs Man Still Matters in 2026
You might think mascots are just for the kids, but this guy has longevity. While other teams rotate through generic characters, the Mavs have stuck by this weird basketball-man hybrid. Why? Because he’s an elite athlete.
Most mascots are played by performers who focus on slapstick comedy or belly flops. Not this one. Mavs Man is traditionally an acrobat. He’s the centerpiece of the halftime dunk shows that actually make people stay in their seats instead of rushing for a $14 beer.
In late 2022, the team gave him a massive facelift. They ditched the "horror movie" basketball skin for a look that's more "Blue Power Ranger meets Iron Man." It’s cleaner, sure. But honestly? Some of us miss the original sleep-paralysis demon. It gave the team character.
The Dynamic Duo: Champ vs. Mavs Man
It’s a bit of a weird setup in Dallas. We have two mascots, and they couldn't be more different.
- Champ: The blue horse. He’s the "official" face. He’s fluffy, approachable, and does the community events. He’s the one your toddler wants to hug.
- Mavs Man: The adrenaline junkie. He’s the one who does the "don't try this at home" stunts. He’s basically the team’s resident stuntman.
If Champ is the heart of the fan experience, Mavs Man is the heart rate. He represents the "Maverick" spirit—independent, a bit wild, and definitely not following the crowd.
The Man Behind the Dimples
One of the best-kept secrets in Dallas sports is who actually wears the suit. For a long time, rumors swirled about Byron Thomas, a legendary performer known for his work with dunk troupes. There’s also the urban legend that former Mavs player Jimmy King once donned the gear.
Whoever is in there now, they have to be in peak physical condition. You don't just "put on a suit" and jump over five people. The current version of the mascot is more agile than ever, often seen interacting with the crowd during timeouts with a level of intensity that’s kind of intimidating if you’re sitting front row.
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What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception? That he’s "just a backup" for Champ.
That’s objectively false. In the mascot world, having a human-stunt performer and a character performer is a strategic choice. It allows the Mavs to cover more ground. While Champ is taking photos in the suites, Mavs Man is on the court floor keeping the energy high during a crucial 4th-quarter comeback.
Also, people think he’s gone. Every few years, someone on Reddit posts "Whatever happened to Mavs Man?" because they didn't see him at one specific game. He’s still there. He’s just evolved. The 2026 version of the Mavs Man is more integrated into the digital experience, popping up in AR segments on the big screen and leading the "Mavs Fans For Life" (MFFL) chants.
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Actionable Tips for Fans
If you're heading to a game and want the full experience, here’s how to actually interact with the legend:
- Watch the Warm-ups: He often does "soft" stunts about 20 minutes before tip-off. It's the best time to see the athleticism without the halftime crowds.
- The Baseline Spot: He tends to hang out near the tunnel by the home bench. If you have floor seats or are nearby, that’s your best bet for a high-five.
- MascotLink: You can actually book in-game visits. If you’re celebrating a birthday, you can pay to have Champ or Mavs Man come directly to your seat with a gift bag. It’s not cheap, but the photo op is worth it.
- Respect the Stunt: If you see him prepping a trampoline, don't try to get a selfie. These guys are in a zone. One mistimed step can lead to a serious injury, so give him the space he needs to fly.
The Dallas Mavericks Mavs Man is a relic of a wilder era of NBA branding that somehow found a way to stay relevant. He’s weird, he’s fast, and he’s quintessentially Dallas. Next time you see a blue-suited superhero flying through the air at the AAC, remember: he’s been doing this since the days of baggy jerseys and mid-range jumpers.
Keep an eye on the rafters during the next home stand; you never know when he’s going to drop in.