‘Disgusting Propaganda,’ ‘Eating It Up’ — WNBA World at Odds As Tempo Unveil Mascot With ‘She/They Pronouns’ vs. Sophie Cunningham’s Fever

Sophie Cunningham‘s stance against biological men competing in women’s sports has created all sorts of controversial and polarizing reactions. But Tuesday’s Indiana Fever–Toronto Tempo matchup added a twist nobody could have anticipated.

At halftime, the Tempo unveiled a new mascot with “she/they pronouns,” placing the character squarely in the middle of a debate that has followed Cunningham across the WNBA.

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The timing was hard to ignore, prompting the WNBA world to turn the event into a much bigger conversation.

Tempo Mascot With ‘She/They Pronouns’ Sparks WNBA Firestorm During Sophie Cunningham Visit

The halftime introduction featured Dez, described on the team’s website as a “Borealis Blue Snapping Turtle from Muskoka, Ontario,” listed with “she/they pronouns.”

Dez was unveiled alongside Dot, described by the Tempo as “an Arctic Hare named for Toronto’s longtime nickname, T-Dot.” To represent the franchise’s emphasis on inclusivity, Dot carries “she/her pronouns.”

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The timing of Dez’s debut immediately caught attention. Cunningham has spent the past several weeks at the center of the WNBA’s transgender athlete debate after stating that women should not be forced to compete against biological men.

Cunningham’s comments have sparked heated reactions, with supporters and critics showing up at some of the Fever’s recent road games. So, when a mascot carrying “she/they” pronouns appeared during Cunningham’s visit to Toronto, the internet predictably had plenty to say.

Unsurprisingly, Dez’s unveiling ignited another round of back-and-forth from both sides of the debate.

“This is disgusting propaganda targeted at kids,” OutKick political commentator Jon Root tweeted.