WNBA Free Agent Satou Sabally Announces Departure from Phoenix Mercury

Satou Sabally, a three-time WNBA All-Star and the 2023 Most Improved Player, confirmed on Wednesday via an Instagram post that she will not re-sign with the Phoenix Mercury. This announcement ends her one-season tenure with the team during the 2025 WNBA season. Sabally posted, "My best year yet.

4% from the field. She contributed to the team's run to the 2025 WNBA Finals alongside Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper. Her season ended early due to a concussion sustained in Game 3 of the Finals.

is entering her third consecutive season with a different WNBA team.

She previously played for the Dallas Wings before joining the Mercury. 1% shooting from three-point range. The WNBA free agency period began on Wednesday, allowing players like Sabally to negotiate with teams.

As an unrestricted free agent, Sabally can sign with any team, potentially seeking a maximum contract. Her versatility as a 6-foot-4 forward, capable of scoring at all three levels and rebounding, makes her a sought-after player.

Landing Spots USA Today reported potential destinations for Sabally, including the expansion Toronto Tempo.

Her younger sister, Nyara Sabally, was selected by the Tempo in the expansion draft, providing an opportunity for the sisters—who play together on the German national team—to team up in the WNBA for the first time. Sabally also played with Marina Mabrey in the Unrivaled league in 2025.

The Portland Fire, another expansion team entering its inaugural season, could target Sabally to build its roster.

The Fire extended a core qualifying offer to Bridget Carleton, who has experience playing alongside dominant forwards like Napheesa Collier. The team has cap space available to sign free agents. The Golden State Valkyries set a WNBA record for most wins by an expansion team in their first season, led by Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton.

Burton received a qualifying offer and plans to return, while Thornton's status remains uncertain. Sabally's floor-spacing ability aligns with the team's league-leading performance in made three-pointers under coach Natalie Nakase. The Seattle Storm extended core qualifying offers to Ezi Magbegor, with Dominique Malonga returning on her rookie contract.

Nneka Ogwumike's future with the team is undecided as she explores options with other teams. If Ogwumike departs, Sabally could provide similar athleticism, contributing on offense and rebounding.