The WNBA’s Toronto Tempo introduced their long-awaited mascots during a recent game, but the reception from fans has been mixed. Dez the snapping turtle and Dot the Arctic hare, representing different tempos inspired by Aesop’s fable, are the official mascots for Canada’s sole WNBA team. Each mascot has a unique backstory – Dez, hailing from Muskoka, enjoys music, soft shell tacos, and is a Taurus, while Dot, named after Toronto’s nickname T-Dot, is from the Arctic and loves cotton candy, the Netflix F-1 series “Drive to Survive,” and is a Gemini. The pair met when Dot followed the northern lights south to Dez’s territory and realized their compatibility.
According to the Tempo, Dez and Dot bonded over their mutual love for rhythm, despite their contrasting approaches. Eventually, they were drawn to Toronto by its vibrant energy. However, some fans have criticized the mascots’ design, with comments suggesting they are poorly crafted compared to other sports mascots like the Toronto Raptors’ Raptor. While some find the mascots’ expressions unsettling, others appreciate the unique concept.
Whitney Bell, the Tempo’s chief marketing officer, emphasized the mascots’ Canadian identity, but some critics feel they do not reflect Toronto accurately, suggesting a beaver or raccoon would have been more fitting choices. The Tempo has not yet responded to criticisms about the mascots. Despite the mixed reactions, some fans admire the tortoise and hare dynamic of Dez and Dot, with speculations about their relationship circulating online.
Amidst their mascot debut, the Tempo face a challenging season, currently holding a 10-25 record and enduring a 12-game losing streak. Their recent loss to the Washington Mystics has knocked them out of playoff contention.
