Satou Sabally and Phoenix Mercury: Latest WNBA News

Satou Sabally, the 27-year-old German forward for the Phoenix Mercury, is not expected to re-sign with the team, according to reporting from Front Office Sports.

Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports reported that Sabally intends to leave the organization, with meetings between the player and multiple other teams anticipated to begin as negotiations opened on April 9, 2026.

Satou Sabally is not expected to re-sign with the Mercury, multiple sources tell me. Meetings with multiple teams are anticipated over the coming days when negotiations open up tomorrow

Annie Costabile, Front Office Sports

Impact on the Phoenix Mercury

The potential departure of Sabally comes after a significant individual and team performance during the 2025 season. In her first season with the Phoenix Mercury, Sabally established herself as a primary contributor, averaging 16.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.

A three-time All-Star, Sabally was a central figure in the Mercury’s effort to maintain competitiveness following the loss of longtime franchise pillars. The team faced a major transition period after Diana Taurasi retired and Brittney Griner departed for the Atlanta Dream in free agency.

To cushion these exits, the Mercury acquired Sabally and six-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas. Together, they formed a formidable frontcourt duo that helped lead the team to a fourth-seed finish and an appearance in the WNBA Finals.

The 2025 Season and WNBA Finals

The Phoenix Mercury made an inspired run to the WNBA Finals, led by a core that included Sabally, Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, and Sami Whitcomb. Despite the momentum of their postseason run, the Mercury were swept by the Las Vegas Aces in the Finals.

Sabally’s role during this run provided the team with elite scoring, floor spacing, and a stabilizing presence. Her departure is viewed as a strategic turning point for the franchise, leaving questions regarding how the remaining roster, specifically Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas, will absorb the scoring and leadership responsibilities previously held by Sabally.

Acquisition and Contract Details

Sabally joined the Phoenix Mercury via a four-team trade that involved the Dallas Wings, the Connecticut Sun, and the Indiana Fever. Following the trade, she agreed to a one-year contract valued at $215,000.

The one-year nature of the agreement has now led to the current free agency situation. As a high-profile international talent from Germany, Sabally remains one of the most sought-after forwards in the league.

Future Outlook for Phoenix

With Sabally expected to move on, the Phoenix Mercury may look to the free agency market to replace her production. Potential targets for the team include several high-profile names in the league, such as:

• A’ja Wilson
• Napheesa Collier
• Breanna Stewart
• Nneka Ogwumike
• Jonquel Jones

The loss of Sabally follows a period of volatility for the Mercury roster, but the organization continues to seek a replacement capable of maintaining the offensive and defensive balance established during their 2025 Finals run.