The Toronto Tempo, a WNBA team, introduced their long-awaited mascots during a game on Tuesday, but the reception from fans has been mixed.
Dez the snapping turtle and Dot the Arctic hare, inspired by Aesop’s fable about a race between the two animals, represent the only mascots for Canada’s sole WNBA team. Each mascot has a unique backstory and personality traits. Dez, hailing from Muskoka, is calm, enjoys music and soft-shell tacos, and is a Taurus. On the other hand, Dot, representing Toronto or “T-Dot,” is energetic, loves cotton candy and the Netflix series “Drive to Survive,” and is a Gemini. The two characters met when Dot followed the northern lights to Dez’s area and discovered a shared passion for rhythm.
Despite their introduction, the mascots faced criticism from some fans who found their design unappealing and not fitting for the team. Some compared them unfavorably with the Toronto Raptors’ mascot, expressing disappointment with the new additions to the team’s brand. Others found the mascots’ faces unsettling, with comments about their appearance being off-putting.
Whitney Bell, the Tempo’s chief marketing officer, emphasized the mascots’ Canadian identity. While some critics felt the mascots did not reflect the Canadian or Torontonian spirit, others suggested alternative choices like a beaver or raccoon would have been more suitable.
Not all feedback was negative, with some fans appreciating the symbolism behind the tortoise and hare dynamic of the mascots. Speculation about the mascots’ relationship and sexuality surfaced among fans, but reports confirmed that Dez and Dot are simply best friends.
As the Tempo continue their inaugural season with a 10–25 record and a 12-game losing streak, their mascots stand as symbols of hope amidst a challenging season. The team’s recent loss to the Washington Mystics officially knocked them out of playoff contention.