After playing for the Dallas Wings in the first five years of her WNBA career, Satou Sabally joined the Phoenix Mercury in the 2025 offseason via a trade. She impressed in her first season with her new team, becoming an All-Star in the process.
Sabally averaged 16.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 steals in 39 games played for the Mercury. She was pivotal in helping the team finish with a 27-17 record, good for the fourth seed in the league.
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The German forward also put up 19.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steals in 10 games in the playoffs, as the Mercury made it all the way to the WNBA Finals before losing to the Las Vegas Aces.
Sabally is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and it remains to be seen what she’ll do. The 27-year-old WNBA veteran is set to get a huge payday after the league and the players’ union agreed on a new CBA, which increases the max contract to $1.4 million in 2026.
Satou Sabally talks with the media at the Phoenix Mercury practice facility.Michael Chow / The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(Michael Chow / The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
As Sabally awaits the official approval of the new CBA from the WNBA Board of Governors, she’s spending her time away from basketball.
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More recently, she made a personal decision to change her appearance for a noble cause. Sabally shaved her head to raise awareness about alopecia, an “an autoimmune disease that attacks your body’s hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss,” according to Cleveland Clinic.
Sabally made the decision for her best friend, Sunniva Ferri, who is dealing with alopecia.
In a video she posted on social media, Sabally can be seen getting emotional after shaving her head.
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Sabally previously had long, curly hair, which she used to style in an updo. After fans saw the change, many were quick to heap praise on her move.
“Heartwarming, strong, beautiful, powerful and so much more,” a commenter wrote. Another one said, “Made me emotional, such a good friend and person.”
“You are sooooo special,” a fan added.
A supporter shared, “Big respect.”
“Using your platform to bring awareness to something that matters—this is impact beyond the game. Respect,” a follower stated.
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A sixth social media user wrote, “That’s so beautiful!”
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
