Toronto Tempo WNBA team debuts non-binary mascot

The Toronto Tempo of the WNBA has introduced two new mascots: Dez, a snapping turtle that uses she/they pronouns, and Dot, an arctic hare that uses she/her pronouns. The announcement of the non-binary mascot, Dez, coincided with the team’s game against the Indiana Fever.

The timing of the debut has drawn attention due to the presence of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who has been vocal in her opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. The mascot introduction has sparked significant social media backlash from critics who have labeled the move as political or ‘woke.’

During the matchup, the Indiana Fever defeated the Toronto Tempo with a score of 101-95. Cunningham contributed 13 points to the Fever's victory.