The Toronto Tempo, a WNBA team, 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, symbolize different speeds, inspired by Aesop’s fable about a race between these two creatures. Despite their contrasting personalities, both mascots represent Canada’s sole WNBA team.
Dez, hailing from Muskoka, enjoys music, soft-shell tacos, and is a Taurus, while Dot, nicknamed after Toronto as T-Dot, is a Gemini with a penchant for cotton candy and the Netflix series “Drive to Survive.” Their meeting in Dez’s territory marked the start of a perfect partnership driven by a shared passion for rhythm and the allure of Toronto.
Although the Tempo enthusiastically announced their arrival, not all fans are sold on the mascots. Some critiqued the design, with one Instagram comment likening them to characters from a children’s coloring book. Comparisons to the Toronto Raptors’ mascot, the Raptor, were also made, suggesting a preference for the dinosaur over the new mascots.
The mascots’ unsettling expressions drew mixed reactions online, with some finding their faces disconcerting. Despite the criticism, Whitney Bell, the Tempo’s chief marketing officer, emphasized the mascots’ Canadian roots. However, some critics felt the mascots did not adequately represent Canadian or Torontonian identity, suggesting a beaver or raccoon would have been more fitting choices.
While some fans appreciated the unique tortoise and hare dynamic, others raised questions about the mascots’ relationship status. TSN Toronto Tempo beat reporter Chelsea Leite clarified that Dez and Dot are simply best friends, dispelling rumors of them dating or being siblings.
The Toronto Tempo’s inaugural season has been challenging, with a 10–25 record and a 12-game losing streak. Their recent loss to the Washington Mystics dashed their playoff hopes, highlighting the need for a turnaround in their performance.