Who is the Miami Heat's Mascot? Meet Burnie, the NBA's favorite flame

Miami Heat’s mascot, Burnie, is one of the most recognizable in the entire NBA. Here’s everything you need to know about the organization’s lovable cheerleader. 

Mascots have become a norm across the association these days, with their primary role being to cheer on star players like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo on game nights. On top of that, Burnie and others tend to also promote initiatives their teams have set up in the local community.

Sometimes, though, they can make their own headlines for other reasons.

The Miami Heat’s mascot has made a few national news stories over the years and is well-known by fans of the team, as it’s a position that’s still held by the same guy who landed the job over a decade ago. 

What is the name of Miami Heat’s mascot? 

Miami Heat’s mascot is called Burnie and can be seen standing courtside supporting the team during basketball games. Occasionally, Burnie also gets onto the court during timeouts and half-time, too.

The inspiration for the mascot’s design was the flaming ball in the Heat’s logo, hence the ball-like face and fiery hairstyle. Mainly, the costume is bright orange but it has been known to change – sporting an all-white look at times.

How tall is Burnie?

Standing at 7'6”, Burnie would give Sesame Street's Big Bird a run for his money if they ever went 1v1 on the basketball court.

The famous flame was originally created by former Miami owner Ted Arison and it has featured at games ever since, sporting the number 00 on its jersey most recently.

How much the Miami Heat mascot makes

Miami Heat’s mascot, Burnie, is reportedly earning an estimated salary of between $50,000 to $60,000 per year, according to NBA Mascots.

Who is behind the Miami Heat’s mascot? 

Burnie is reportedly portrayed by a dancer employed by the organization, named Chris Brown.

Brown has held the position since 2011, when the Mascot was created. 

Did Conor McGregor really knock out the Miami Heat mascot?

One of Burnie's most famous moments was being sent to the ER after a staged punch from former UFC double champ, Conor McGregor, in June 2023. It has been confirmed as a skit and part of the show, according to the Irishman in a TMZ interview.

He said: "The mascot is good. It was a skit, and all is well... I spent a lot of time with him afterward, we talked it out, everything is great. It was all part of the show!"

Conor McGregor knocked out the Miami Heat mascot 😭 pic.twitter.com/86RutVZ9d9

Burnie was wearing a different attire that night, sporting a pair of boxing gloves and shorts.

Over the years, though, Burnie has also seen some of the Heat’s most memorable triumphs. 

Since being added to the organization’s on-court promotion team, Miami has won two NBA championships (2012, 2013) and fans will be hoping the flamey cheerleader will see a few more in the not-so-distant future.