The Toronto Tempo, the sole Canadian franchise in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), introduced their official mascots, Dot the Arctic Hare and Dez the Snapping Turtle, during halftime of a game against the Indiana Fever on Tuesday. This announcement marks an exciting milestone for the team as they navigate their inaugural season.
Tempo’s chief marketing officer, Whitney Bell, emphasized the importance of the mascots embodying the team's Canadian identity. In her statement, Bell explained, “From the beginning, we wanted our mascots to feel distinctly Tempo – rooted in who we are as a Canadian team. Dez and Dot have completely different personalities, but they’re better together. One knows when to slow things down, the other knows when to turn the energy all the way up. That balance felt like such a natural expression of Tempo, and we can’t wait for our fans to get to know them.”
Accompanying the reveal, the Tempo provided detailed descriptions of their two new mascots. Dez, a Borealis Blue Snapping Turtle originating from Muskoka, Ontario, carries a name inspired by the term “decibel,” reflecting their love for music and their role as the measured half of the duo. Dez is characterized as calm, clever, and always thinking several steps ahead. In addition to their love for music, Dez enjoys mixing tracks as a Taurus and has a particular fondness for soft shell tacos.
On the other hand, Dot, an Arctic Hare named after Toronto's longstanding nickname, T-Dot, hails from the Arctic Circle. Dot is portrayed as energetic and enthusiastic, making her the dynamic hype woman of the pair. A Gemini, her hobbies include ‘hops and hype,’ and she relishes any chance to engage with the crowd, loving treats such as cotton candy and the Netflix series Drive to Survive.
The introduction of Dot and Dez not only adds a playful and engaging aspect to the Toronto Tempo but also helps in establishing a unique team identity that resonates with fans and the local culture. Their distinct personalities reflect a balance in energy, with Dez providing a calming influence and Dot bringing high energy and excitement. As the Tempo's inaugural season progresses, fans can look forward to interacting with these lovable characters, enhancing their game day experience.
