The Toronto Tempo from the WNBA introduced their highly anticipated mascots during a recent game, but reception from fans has been mixed. Dez the snapping turtle and Dot the Arctic hare, inspired by Aesop’s fable of a race between these animals, represent Canada’s sole WNBA team. Each mascot, Dez and Dot, hails from different regions and has unique traits. Dez, a Taurus from Muskoka, enjoys music and soft-shell tacos, while energetic Gemini Dot, hailing from the Arctic, loves cotton candy and the Netflix series “Drive to Survive.” Their backstory revolves around a mutual love for rhythm, leading them to Toronto.
Despite their endearing narrative, some fans have criticized the mascots’ design, likening them to characters from a children’s book. Comparisons have been drawn with the Toronto Raptors’ popular dinosaur mascot, questioning the appeal of Dez and Dot. Criticisms have also been raised about their facial expressions, with some finding them unsettling.
Whitney Bell, the Tempo’s chief marketing officer, emphasized the mascots’ Canadian identity, but online critics argue they lack a distinctly Canadian or Torontonian essence. Suggestions for mascots like a beaver or raccoon have been proposed as more fitting choices. The Tempo has not yet responded to criticism regarding their mascots.
While some fans appreciate the unique tortoise and hare dynamic, others have speculated about the mascots’ relationship status, with rumors circulating about their potential romance. However, TSN Toronto Tempo beat reporter Chelsea Leite clarified that Dez and Dot are simply best friends, not siblings or partners.
As the Tempo grapple with a challenging inaugural season, standing at 10-25 with a 12-game losing streak, the hope is that the mascots’ presence will bring luck to the struggling team. Their recent loss to the Washington Mystics dashed their playoff aspirations.
