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Toronto Tempo introduces controversial she/they mascot during WNBA game

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 12:56 AM

Last updated Aug 19, 2026

Toronto Tempo introduces controversial she/they mascot during WNBA game

Summary

The Toronto Tempo hosted the Indiana Fever for their first matchup on August 18, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena, accommodating a larger crowd for Indiana's Caitlin Clark. During halftime, the Tempo unveiled their mascots, Dez (she/they) and Dot (she/her), drawing mixed reactions on social media. Some fans expressed outrage over the inclusion of the she/they gender in the mascot, referring to it as a 'woke joke.' The WNBA has a history of promoting inclusivity, and the league continues to face various responses to its initiatives. The next Tempo home game is expected to be another opportunity for fans to engage with the new franchise.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Toronto Tempo hosts Indiana Fever for the first time.
•Game held at Scotiabank Arena on August 18.
•Mascots Dez (she/they) and Dot (she/her) unveiled at halftime.
•Social media reactions include both support and backlash.
•WNBA emphasizes inclusivity amid mixed public responses.

Latest Updates

12:56 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Woke joke’: WNBA team sparks outrage with ‘disgusting’ she/they mascot

What they're saying

"
One of the WNBA’s new expansion franchises, the Toronto Tempo, played host to the Indiana Fever for the first time in franchise history on Tuesday. Due to the massive draw that is Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark, the game was moved from Toronto’s normal arena of Coca-Coal Coliseum at Exhibition Place, to the larger-capacity Scotiabank…
— Yahoo Sports

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