League: WNBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Toronto Tempo introduces non-binary mascot during Fever matchup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 5:30 AM

Last updated Aug 23, 2026

Toronto Tempo introduces non-binary mascot during Fever matchup

Summary

The Toronto Tempo unveiled a new non-binary mascot, Dez, during their game against the Indiana Fever on August 22. This introduction follows controversy involving Fever player Sophie Cunningham, who has faced backlash for her comments regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports. Former ESPN anchor Sage Steele criticized the Tempo's mascot as a political statement against Cunningham. The Fever defeated the Tempo 101-95, with Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark leading the scoring for Indiana. The Tempo has now lost 11 straight games since their inaugural season began in 2026.

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By the Numbers

•Tempo introduces non-binary mascot Dez during Fever match
•Cunningham's comments on trans athletes have sparked controversy
•Fever wins the game 101-95, Kelsey Mitchell scores 30 points
•Tempo has lost 11 consecutive games since their debut
•Cunningham faced boos from the Toronto crowd during the game

Latest Updates

5:30 AMYahoo Sports — ‘You Deserve to Be Laughed At’ — Ex-ESPN Star Rips Tempo for Debuting Non-Binary Mascot vs. Sophie Cunningham, Fever

What they're saying

"
The Toronto Tempo plunged themselves into the WNBA’s trans athlete controversy with their new nonbinary mascot, Dez, during Tuesday’s matchup against Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever. The timing made the move look like a clear dig at Cunningham, who has been at the center of the controversy since her comments about protecting young girls in women’s sports during an ESPN interview.
— Yahoo Sports

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Yahoo SportsAug 23, 2026, 5:30 AM
‘You Deserve to Be Laughed At’ — Ex-ESPN Star Rips Tempo for Debuting Non-Binary Mascot vs. Sophie Cunningham, Fever
The Toronto Tempo plunged themselves into the WNBA’s trans athlete controversy with their new nonbinary mascot, Dez, during Tuesday’s matchup against Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever. The timing made the move look like a clear dig at Cunningham, who has been at the center of the controversy since her comments about protecting young girls in women’s sports during an ESPN interview.

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