From Wheedle to Squatch: The Wild History of the Seattle SuperSonics Mascot

A Team Born in the Emerald City

When the Seattle SuperSonics entered the NBA in 1967, they quickly became a defining part of the culture in Seattle—a city known for its creativity, quirkiness, and deep love of basketball. But while players like Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp electrified fans on the court, something equally memorable was evolving on the sidelines: the team’s mascots.

The story of the Sonics’ mascot is a tale of local folklore, children’s literature, and eventually, a full-blown Pacific Northwest legend.

The First Mascot: Wheedle on the Needle

Before there was Squatch, there was the delightfully odd Wheedle—a character born from the 1974 children’s book Wheedle on the Needle by Stephen Cosgrove.

The Wheedle was a fuzzy orange creature said to live atop the Space Needle. According to the story, its high-pitched whistling kept Seattle residents awake—until the arrival of the SuperSonics, whose cheers drowned it out. In return, the Wheedle became a fan.

Why Wheedle Worked

• It was uniquely Seattle-centric

• It tied directly into a beloved local landmark

• It appealed to kids and families

But while charming, Wheedle felt more like a storybook figure than a high-energy sports mascot. As the NBA became more entertainment-driven in the ‘80s and ‘90s, teams began leaning toward bigger, bolder personalities.

Enter Squatch: The Birth of a Legend

In 1993, the Sonics introduced what would become one of the most iconic mascots in NBA history: Squatch. Inspired by the Pacific Northwest’s fascination with Bigfoot (aka Sasquatch), Squatch was everything Wheedle wasn’t:

• Loud

• Athletic

• Slightly chaotic

• Built for in-game entertainment

Squatch’s Rise to Fame

Squatch quickly became known across the league for:

• Trampoline dunks that rivaled NBA Slam Dunk Contest performances

• Comedy skits and crowd interactions

• High-energy antics that made him a staple at games and community events

He wasn’t just a mascot—he was a performer.

By the mid-‘90s, as the Sonics surged behind stars like Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton, Squatch became inseparable from the team’s identity.

The 2008 Disappearance… and Cult Legacy

When the SuperSonics were tragically stolen and relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, Squatch was officially retired... or simply went back into hiding.

But unlike many mascots that fade away, Squatch took on a kind of mythical afterlife— as less of a “team mascot” and more of a “local legend in a jersey.”

Where Squatch Lives On

• Appearances at Seattle events and rallies

• Nostalgia-driven merch and throwbacks

• Local brands who keep the legend alive (like Dabsquatch)

In many ways, Squatch became a symbol not just of the team—but of the city’s unfinished basketball story.

A Mascot That Represents the Pacific Northwest

The evolution from Wheedle to Squatch mirrors Seattle itself:

Era	Mascot	Identity
1970s	Wheedle	Whimsical, literary, local folklore
1990s–2000s	Squatch	Energetic, bold, rooted in regional myth

Both mascots draw from the same source: the unique culture of the Pacific Northwest. But Squatch tapped into something deeper—a rugged, mysterious, slightly wild identity that resonates strongly with the region.

The Future: Will Squatch Return?

With recent news about NBA expansion, the Sonics are primed to return to Seattle. And when the Sonics return, one question looms large: Does Squatch come back too?

Given his enduring popularity, it’s hard to imagine a revival without him. In fact, Squatch may be one of the few mascots whose return would feel less like nostalgia—and more like destiny.

Final Thoughts

From a whistling creature atop the Space Needle to a dunking Sasquatch with attitude, the Seattle SuperSonics mascot story is anything but ordinary. It’s a reflection of Seattle itself: creative, deeply rooted, and a little weird.

That's why Dabsquatch is already practicing his dunks — just in case he gets the call.