# WNBA gender identity and Toronto Tempo mascot controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wnba-gender-identity-and-toronto-tempo-mascot-controversy
> Updated: 2026-08-21T22:49:17.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

The WNBA is navigating internal discussions regarding player eligibility and gender identity following declarations from former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White as potential candidates for the 2027 draft. The league has stated it will “approach future conversations thoughtfully” while denouncing efforts to marginalize others.

Concurrently, the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo introduced two new mascots: Dez, a non-binary snapping turtle using she/they pronouns, and Dot, an arctic hare using she/her pronouns. The debut of Dez coincided with a game against the Indiana Fever, drawing social media backlash from critics who labeled the move as “woke” or political. This controversy was heightened by the presence of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who has been vocal in her opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. The Indiana Fever won the matchup against the Toronto Tempo with a score of 101-95.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Toronto Tempo WNBA team debuts non-binary mascot

The Toronto Tempo WNBA team introduced new mascots, including a non-binary snapping turtle named Dez, amid backlash and controversy surrounding Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/toronto-tempo-wnba-team-debuts-non-binary-mascot

### 2026-08-19: WNBA addresses gender eligibility and Toronto Tempo unveils new mascot

The WNBA is addressing gender eligibility discussions while the Toronto Tempo introduces Dez, a non-binary snapping turtle mascot.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wnba-addresses-gender-eligibility-and-toronto-tempo-unveils-new-mascot

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Cite as: WNBA gender identity and Toronto Tempo mascot controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wnba-gender-identity-and-toronto-tempo-mascot-controversy