The Toronto Tempo, the sole WNBA team in Canada, unveiled their anticipated mascots, Dez the snapping turtle and Dot the Arctic hare, at a recent game. These mascots, representing different tempos inspired by Aesop’s fable, have unique personalities and backgrounds. Dez, from Muskoka, is calm and enjoys music and soft-shell tacos, while Dot, from the Arctic, is energetic and loves cotton candy and the Netflix series “Drive to Survive.”
The duo, who met in a serendipitous encounter, share a passion for rhythm despite their distinct styles. Whitney Bell, the Tempo’s chief marketing officer, emphasized the mascots’ Canadian identity. However, some critics feel the mascots do not adequately represent Toronto, suggesting a beaver or raccoon would have been more fitting choices.
While some fans appreciate the tortoise and hare symbolism, others find the mascots’ appearances unsettling. Despite mixed reactions, the mascots have sparked discussions about their relationship and sexuality, with speculations about their dating status. TSN Toronto Tempo beat reporter Chelsea Leite clarified that Dez and Dot are best friends, not siblings or romantic partners.
The Tempo, struggling with a 10–25 record and a 12-game losing streak, face challenges on the court. Their recent loss to the Washington Mystics dashed their playoff hopes. Despite the team’s performance, fans have varying opinions about the mascots, with some expressing strong support and others critiquing their design and relevance to Toronto.
