Toronto Tempo Unveils New Non-Binary Mascot as Sophie Cunningham Controversy Follows WNBA Rivalry

TORONTO — The WNBA’s newest franchise has introduced a colorful new mascot—but the timing of the reveal has fueled speculation that it was a playful jab at one of the league’s most polarizing players, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.

The Toronto Tempo debuted Dez, a Borealis Blue snapping turtle who uses she/they pronouns, during the team’s home game against the Fever. The mascot quickly became the center of conversation across social media, with many fans viewing the unveiling as a pointed response to Cunningham’s recent comments about transgender athletes in women’s sports.

Meet Dez, the WNBA’s Newest Mascot

The Tempo described Dez as a fearless snapping turtle from Ontario’s Muskoka region with a love of soft-shell tacos and a Taurus personality.

Dez joins another new Toronto mascot, Dot, an Arctic hare who uses she/her pronouns. Together, the pair represent the franchise’s modern identity and playful take on Canadian wildlife.

With the introduction of Dez, Toronto becomes one of only a handful of WNBA teams featuring a mascot that identifies with non-binary pronouns.

Why Fans Think It Was a Shot at Cunningham

The mascot’s debut came during Toronto’s matchup with the Indiana Fever, and many observers believed the timing was intentional.

Cunningham has been at the center of league-wide debate after saying she wanted to protect girls from having to compete against “biological men” in women’s sports. She later clarified that she believes there is room to love and respect everyone while still advocating for fairness in female athletics.

Those remarks drew both widespread support and strong criticism, turning Cunningham into one of the most talked-about figures in the WNBA this season.

The Tempo has not explicitly said Dez was created to mock Cunningham, but the coincidence of the reveal during the Fever game led to widespread speculation online.

Boos Didn’t Stop the Fever

The atmosphere inside Toronto’s arena reflected the ongoing controversy.

Cunningham was loudly booed by sections of the crowd throughout the night whenever she touched the ball. Despite the hostile reception, she delivered an efficient performance, scoring 13 points while making all three of her 3-point attempts.

The Fever ultimately defeated the Tempo 101–95, spoiling the celebration surrounding the mascot’s debut.

A League Balancing Basketball and Social Debate

The mascot reveal arrives during a period when conversations about gender identity and inclusion have increasingly intersected with WNBA basketball.

Players, fans and the league’s players’ union have expressed differing perspectives on transgender participation in women’s sports, while Cunningham has maintained that her comments were intended to defend opportunities for young female athletes rather than exclude individuals from society.

Meanwhile, Toronto’s embrace of an openly non-binary mascot has been celebrated by many supporters as a reflection of the city’s inclusive culture.

Whether Dez was designed as a genuine symbol of representation, a tongue-in-cheek response to Cunningham, or simply clever marketing, one thing is certain: the little blue snapping turtle has already become one of the WNBA’s most talked-about new personalities.

And judging by the reaction, the rivalry between the Tempo and Fever now extends well beyond the scoreboard.