PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury will lose a key piece this offseason, as Satou Sabally is not expected to return to the Valley in 2026, according to Front Office Sports’ Annie Costabile.
Jul 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) shoots over Dallas Wings center Luisa Geiselsoder (18) during the second half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Sabally played only one season with the Mercury, coming in from the Dallas Wings before the 2025 season. She, along with Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, came to be known as the club’s “Big Three” with all three players using their presence on both sides of the ball to push Phoenix to a Finals run last year.
Though they couldn’t achieve their final goal, Sabally’s contributions changed what was supposed to be a rebuild year into a playoff-level team.
Oct 5, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) drives the ball against Megan Gustafson (17) during the second quarter of game two of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
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Through 39 games in the desert, the forward averaged 16.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists. She also earned All-Star honors, though she didn’t participate due to injury.
During the Finals, Sabally also suffered a concussion during Game 3 against the Las Vegas Aces, where she was ruled out for the rest of the series, including for Unrivaled during this offseason.
Sep 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) reacts after a shot against the Los Angeles Sparks during the second half of a WNBA game at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Mercury will now need to reshape their Big Three, with one looking to move on. It’s still unclear if Copper and Thomas will also not re-sign with the club, but now Phoenix’s task will be to find someone who can provide the same contributions Sabally gave during her short time in Phoenix.
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