Tempo hilariously calls on WNBA teams for mascot tips ahead of 2026 debut
The post Tempo hilariously calls on WNBA teams for mascot tips ahead of 2026 debut appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The Toronto Tempo are blossoming into a new WNBA team as they approach their debut season in 2026. As they sort out logistics, the Tempo team is seeking the advice of other teams on how they do things, particularly regarding mascots.
Advertisement
On Thursday, the Tempo engaged with eventual competitors about ideas for mascots on their X page. They contacted all the WNBA teams to gather their input on how to create the best mascot.
On one post, the Tempo asked for counsel on dancing from the Indiana Fever's mascot, Freddy Fever.
'Hello @FreddyFever We see the dances. We see the vibe. Can you let us know how we can bring something like that to Toronto?'
In another post, they sought advice from the New York Liberty's mascot, Ellie the Elephant, on how to create the greatest mascot of all time.
'Hey DIVA @BigEllieLiberty any advice you can give us for having a GOAT mascot?'. Then, the Tempo reached out to Sparky from the Los Angeles Sparks to ask about sampling their mascot's athletic abilities.
Advertisement
'We didn't forget about our pal Sparky @LASparks! Can you please ask him for us what it takes to be a top-tier mascot? We've seen the athleticism; we are impressed and taking notes.'
The Tempo mascot has a template to follow.
Out of all the mascots, it is Ellie the Elephant that is considered the most popular in the WNBA. At Liberty games, she gets the fans involved through elaborate dance performances.
Additionally, Ellie has gone viral on multiple occasions for her energy. As a result, there is at least one example for the Tempo to follow.
While the mascot is yet to be determined, there is much anticipation about the WNBA in Toronto. After all, the Tempo has Serena Williams as an investor. The idea of a WNBA team in Toronto first came to fruition after the Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx played an exhibition there in May 2023.
Advertisement
The buzz surrounding the game was palpable, culminating in a sold-out crowd of 19,800 at Toronto's Scotiabank Arena.
Related: Coco Gauff reveals hopes for WNBA expansion team in this city
Related: Coco Gauff's 'insane' reaction to frenzied ovation at Liberty-Sky game
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
F1 rookie Kimi Antonelli passes his final exams to graduate from high school
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, of Italy, takes part in a press conference at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix auto race in Montreal, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press via AP) Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, of Italy, signs autographs as he walks through the paddocks ahead of the third practice session at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix auto race, in Montreal, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Graham Hughes /The Canadian Press via AP) Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, of Italy, turns in the hairpin during Formula One auto racing action at the Canadian Grand Prix, in Montreal on Sunday, June 15, 2025. (Evan Buhler/The Canadian Press via AP) Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, of Italy, celebrates after his third-place finish at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix auto race in Montreal, Sunday, June 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP) Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, center, of Italy, celebrates with teammates after the F1 Canadian Grand Prix auto race in Montreal, Sunday, June 15, 2025. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press via AP) Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, center, of Italy, celebrates with teammates after the F1 Canadian Grand Prix auto race in Montreal, Sunday, June 15, 2025. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press via AP) Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, of Italy, takes part in a press conference at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix auto race in Montreal, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press via AP) Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, of Italy, signs autographs as he walks through the paddocks ahead of the third practice session at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix auto race, in Montreal, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Graham Hughes /The Canadian Press via AP) Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, of Italy, turns in the hairpin during Formula One auto racing action at the Canadian Grand Prix, in Montreal on Sunday, June 15, 2025. (Evan Buhler/The Canadian Press via AP) Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, of Italy, celebrates after his third-place finish at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix auto race in Montreal, Sunday, June 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP) Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, center, of Italy, celebrates with teammates after the F1 Canadian Grand Prix auto race in Montreal, Sunday, June 15, 2025. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press via AP) BOLOGNA, Italy (AP) — Formula 1 rookie Kimi Antonelli passed his final exams to graduate from high school back home in Italy just like he's been passing other cars on tracks around the world: without trouble. The 18-year-old Mercedes driver made the announcement in an Instagram story Monday, saying 'promosso' — 'passed' — with a photo of himself wearing a laurel wreath. Advertisement After claiming his first podium result with a third-place finish at the Canadian Grand Prix, Antonelli returned home to Casalecchio di Reno, near Bologna, to take his exams. 'I was fairly stressed, because I didn't have much time to study. But I did my best,' Antonelli told reporters after taking the first portion of exams last week. He said English is his favorite subject 'because that's the one that comes easiest for me.' Antonelli added that he wanted to complete the exams, which included both written and oral sections, before the upcoming Austrian GP 'so I can focus full time on racing.' ___ AP auto racing:
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
NFL offseason power rankings: No. 27 New York Giants have a coach and GM on the hottest seat
Other NFL team previews: 32. Titans | 31. Saints | 30. Browns | 29. Panthers | 28. Jets Nobody had to put New York Giants coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen on the hot seat. Their boss did. Advertisement The Giants went 3-14 last season. Giants co-owner John Mara decided Daboll and Schoen deserved another season, but he didn't seem too excited about it. 'It better not take too long because I've just about run out of patience,' Mara said. "That'll be a good sound bite for you tonight, huh?" Mara's meeting with the media after the announcement that Daboll and Schoen would return was weird. It seemed apologetic. He said he knew it was "not the most popular decision" among Giants fans. His meeting with the media was to "face the music." His assessment of the 2024 Giants was that "we stunk this year." The tone was so funereal you'd have guessed Mara was forced into the decision, instead of being the one who made it. "I'm going to have to be in a better mood this time next year than I am right now," Mara said. Advertisement That set the tone for the Giants season. It's all about whether Daboll and Schoen can survive again. It won't be easy. The owner is on edge. The fan base was already there. The Giants' solution at quarterback was signing two veterans who weren't wanted back by their previous teams and drafting a quarterback who will need some work. On top of it all, the Giants have the toughest schedule in the NFL, and by a pretty wide margin based on the projected betting win totals of their opponents, via Sharp Football Analysis. It seems like Daboll and Schoen are dead men walking into a season with a roster that would need some help to get out of last place in the NFC East. So why bother bringing them back at all? Can New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll (left) and general manager Joe Schoen (right) show enough improvement this season to keep their jobs? (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Mara acknowledged the results weren't good enough, but gave Schoen credit for a good 2024 draft class and solid additions in free agency. Mara liked the way players still respond to Daboll, and he was the NFL's Coach of the Year just three seasons ago. It seemed in a way like Mara felt forced into being patient after the team went through four coaches, counting an interim, in six years after Tom Coughlin stepped down under pressure. The duo will need to show some progress this season, even if the record isn't that much better. Advertisement Jaxson Dart is the best path to showing that progress. Dart is an interesting first-round pick out of Ole Miss. He will take some time to learn an NFL offense, but he has enticing skills. Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston were signed before Dart was picked, and presumably Wilson will begin the season as the starter. If the Giants aren't much better than last season, the biggest question will be when to give Dart a shot. The reality is that decision will be made by a coach and general manager who are in self-preservation mode. Whatever is best for their survival will play a role in that decision. The Giants have a really good defensive line, a secondary that has gotten an influx of talent, a future star in receiver Malik Nabers and not much else. There's still a long way to go before the Giants are contenders again. Daboll and Schoen need some results this season to stick around for those better days. Offseason grade The Giants had a good draft last year and got top grades for their draft class this year. The Giants got the second-best consensus grade among draft analysts. Defensive end Abdul Carter didn't fill a need, because the Giants already had a strong defensive line, but he was an easy pick at No. 3 overall. The Giants traded up for quarterback Jaxson Dart in the first round, and he provides some hope for fixing a broken quarterback situation. The big free agent additions were cornerback Paulson Adebo and safety Jevon Holland, who should make the secondary better. Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston were signed to be stopgap solutions at quarterback, and neither is too exciting. Overall, it's clear to see the Giants' roster improving, and that will accelerate if Dart is a hit. Advertisement Grade: B+ Quarterback report The Steelers showed zero desire to bring Russell Wilson back. The Browns chose to sign 40-year-old Joe Flacco over matching the two-year, $8 million deal Jameis Winston got from the Giants. The Giants didn't have many great options at quarterback in free agency, and those two veterans will probably deliver predictable results. Wilson played pretty well for a few weeks for the Steelers last season but faded by the end, a reminder that his game isn't aging well as he approaches 37 years old. Winston is what he is, a sometimes exciting player who can't avoid turnovers. The odds of either starting through the season are long. Jaxson Dart should start at some point this season. He is a good athlete with a strong arm. Consistency can be an issue, but in college he was good at pushing the ball downfield and creating explosive plays. If the Giants get off to a slow start, it will be tough to resist the urge to speed up Dart's timetable and put him into the lineup. BetMGM odds breakdown From Yahoo's Ben Fawkes: 'The New York Giants signed QBs Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston this offseason, before drafting Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart in the first round in the 2025 NFL Draft. They're hoping to have the short- and long-term solutions at QB, but there's also a chance they have neither. With a win total of just 5.5 at BetMGM, the Giants' schedule is brutal – New York is favored in just one game and has the toughest schedule according to opponent win totals in the NFL. Will the defense be good enough to overcome the team's likely offensive shortcomings?" Yahoo's fantasy take From Yahoo's Scott Pianowski: "Malik Nabers is currently the WR7 off the board in Yahoo drafts. The market might be missing an opportunity here. New York's quarterback room is complicated, but at least things are upgraded from last year's medley of Daniel Jones, Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito. And the Brian Daboll scheme will force the ball to its best players — Nabers was second in the NFL in targets last year despite missing two games. Normally the goal with your early picks is to target the best players on the best teams, but Nabers is likely too big to fail. If you sneak him in the second half of your first round, you've done well." Stat to remember Malik Nabers, the sixth pick of last year's NFL Draft, was second in the NFL with 170 targets last season. Only Ja'Marr Chase, who won the receiving triple crown, had more with 175. Chase played two more games than Nabers, who played 15 games and had 10 or more targets in 10 of them. He had seven in his first game and never fewer than eight the rest of his rookie season. In other words, Nabers was the epicenter of the Giants' offense from his first day on the job. He was productive too, with 109 catches for 1,204 yards. The Giants did nothing to upgrade the receiving room in the offseason, meaning that there is little to keep a healthy Nabers from the rare level of 200 targets this season. As long as the Giants' quarterback play is reasonable, Nabers could lead the NFL in receptions and yards. Advertisement Burning question How will the Giants use all their pass rushers? Once Travis Hunter went with the second pick of the NFL Draft, the Giants didn't have much choice but to take Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3. He was clearly the best player available, and would have been a reasonable first overall pick. But it did create some questions. The Giants already had two top edge rushers in Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. The Giants could use all three at once, pushing one of them inside. But the Giants don't want to limit any of those three talented players to less than 70% of the team's defensive snaps. Something has to give, though it is a good problem to have. Those three rushers along with elite defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II make up one of the best defensive lines in football, regardless of how the playing time is divvied up. Best-case scenario When the Giants made the playoffs in Brian Daboll's first season as coach, they caught a lot of breaks. The Giants won plenty of close games and then beat a similarly lucky Vikings team in the playoffs. Theoretically that could happen again, but it's unlikely. It's a roster that still has questions at secondary, offensive line, running back, receiver outside of Malik Nabers and linebacker outside of Bobby Okereke. And, of course, that lingering question at quarterback. Jaxson Dart could prove himself to be the answer at QB and if that's the only positive thing to happen for the Giants this season it would be a reason to celebrate. It's hard to envision the Giants being a playoff team. Maybe that will cost Daboll and Joe Schoen their jobs. But if Dart shows some promise, that might be enough for New York to feel good about its direction going forward and stick with the plan. To many Giants fans, that's not the best-case scenario. Advertisement Nightmare scenario The Giants' schedule is brutal. NFL analyst Warren Sharp had it as the toughest in the league based on sportsbooks' win totals, and the eye test confirms it. The Giants are favored in only one game all season (Week 5 at New Orleans). It's possible the Giants are buried by November, and there would be a lot of pressure on ownership to make a midseason change at coach and GM. It's possible Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen never get to experience Jaxson Dart starting a regular season game, if everything goes wrong. And it could. Outside of the obvious quarterback issues, the offensive line could be a problem again, the lack of playmakers other than Malik Nabers is glaring and a defense that was 28th in DVOA last season might not be much better. Trying to figure all of that out against the toughest schedule in the NFL will be a chore. The Giants went 3-14 last season, and they could easily be that bad again. Though if that happens, at least Giants fans would get their wish and see the team reset at coach and GM. The crystal ball says On one hand the Giants are getting better. They had a good offseason last year and this year's draft and free agency seemed to be strong as well. But there are still many holes, which speaks to how much work the roster needed even as the Giants made the playoffs in 2022. The Giants should want Jaxson Dart to sit as long as possible, though it will be tough to resist putting him in as the losses pile up. The team has a Week 14 bye, and giving Dart the final four games to show what he can do seems right. What happens in those final four games will be crucial in determining the future of the franchise, including the job status of the coach and general manager. The Giants are in for another losing season, and that seems more likely than not to be bad news for Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen. Dart might be able to save them, and reinvigorate the fan base, by showing some promise late in the season.


Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Bon Jovi's Career-Defining Hit Reaches An Incredible Chart Milestone
Bon Jovi's 'Livin' on a Prayer' celebrates 260 weeks on Billboard's Hard Rock Streaming Songs chart, ... More becoming the band's first half-decade-charter. Portrait of American rock band Bon Jovi backstage before a performance, Illinois, early March, 1987. Pictured are, from left, David Bryan, Tico Torres, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Alec John Such. (Photo by) Throughout the decades, Bon Jovi has transitioned from pioneers in the hard rock genre to a group whose music frequently lands on adult contemporary pop rankings in the United States. Such a move isn't entirely surprising for a band that's remained together for so many years, but the rockers still have one foot in the style that launched the act to superstardom. To this day, it's on hard rock-leaning charts where the band can typically be found. And it's on one of those tallies where the beloved rockers reach a major milestone for the very first time. "Livin' on a Prayer" Reaches Half a Decade on the Chart Bon Jovi regularly appears on both the Hard Rock Streaming Songs and Hard Rock Digital Song Sales charts. These rankings track the most streamed and bestselling individual tunes in the U.S. within the hard rock genre. The group continues to live on the streaming-only list this frame, with "Livin' on a Prayer" slipping one spot to No. 21 as the favorite celebrates 260 weeks — exactly half a decade — on the tally. "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "Livin' on a Prayer" Despite being one of the most successful names in hard rock music, at least for a time, Bon Jovi has only sent a pair of singles to the Hard Rock Streaming Songs chart. "Livin' on a Prayer" is both the highest-peaking and longest-running from the band, as it reached as high as No. 4 and has now spent exactly five years on the ranking. "You Give Love a Bad Name" only debuted on the tally in May 2024, and climbed to a peak of No. 22 during its seven-week run. Bon Jovi Joins Linkin Park, Metallica and AC/DC Five years is a long time for any one track to appear on a Billboard list, but "Livin' on a Prayer" isn't alone in its achievement. In fact, of the 25 spots on the Hard Rock Streaming Songs chart, nine of the tunes that fill those slots have reached 260 frames. Included in that elite group alongside Bon Jovi's cut are a number of titles tied for the longest run ever on the tally — 263 weeks — including both "In the End" and 'Numb' by Linkin Park, "Enter Sandman" by Metallica, "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC, and several others.