The Toronto Tempo’s recent unveiling of their new non-binary mascot, Dez, has sparked a lively debate within the WNBA community. Dez, a borealis blue snapping turtle from Muskoka, Ontario, uses she/they pronouns and has become a focal point amidst ongoing discussions about trans athletes in women’s sports.
The mascot’s introduction coincided with a game against the Indiana Fever, adding fuel to the fire of an already contentious topic. Former ESPN anchor Sage Steele was among those who voiced their opinion, calling the mascot laughable and criticizing what she perceived as a desperate attempt to prove inclusivity.
Toronto Tempo’s New Mascots and the Trans-Athlete Debate
The Toronto Tempo introduced two new mascots, Dez and Dot, with Dez being the non-binary borealis blue snapping turtle. According to their backstory, Dot followed the northern lights south to Ontario, where she met Dez. The two discovered a shared love of rhythm, adding a unique touch to the team’s identity.
This mascot announcement comes at a challenging time for the WNBA, as the league grapples with debates surrounding trans athletes. In July, Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham claimed that banning trans women from women’s sports was common sense further intensifying the discussion.
Sage Steele’s Criticism and the Broader Context
Sage Steele, who worked for ESPN from 2007 to 2026, was quick to weigh in on the mascot announcement. She implied that the mascot was an apparent jab at Cunningham, despite the announcement not explicitly referencing the player. The mascot’s unveiling occurred on the same night the Canadian team played against the Indiana Fever, with the Fever winning the game 101-95.
On X (Twitter), Steele posted a critical remark about the mascot, stating that it deserved to be laughed at for its desperate attempt to prove how inclusive you are. Steele has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and has campaigned for him during the 2026 US presidential election. In 2026, she posed in a Make Women Female Again hat, further emphasizing her stance on the issue.
WNBA’s Stance on Trans Athletes and the Community’s Response
The WNBA’s policy states that only players who are women are eligible to play in the league. However, the rule does not explicitly reference gender identity or sex assigned at birth. This ambiguity has led to varied interpretations and debates within the community.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has been cautious with her comments on the topic, denouncing efforts to sow divisiveness over the league’s handling of the situation. She previously called out bad faith efforts by two ex-NBA players who declared themselves eligible for the WNBA draft. One of these players, Enes Kanter Freedom, was ejected from a WNBA game this weekend while wearing an anti-trans T-shirt.
Despite the controversy, several high-profile WNBA voices have stood beside the trans community. Breanna Stewart called for a safe space Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve wore a Trans Kids Belong shirt, and Cunningham’s coach Stephanie White stated that she doesn’t believe exclusion is an answer.
