Satou Sabally eager to build on Mercury’s championship legacy

The Phoenix Mercury were exactly what coveted WNBA free agent Satou Sabally was looking for in the next stage of her career.

After spending the first five seasons with the Dallas Wings, the two-time All-Star expressed her wish for a fresh start in free agency, somewhere she could further develop her game and compete for a championship.

Sabally was enthusiastic about Phoenix’s investments in the Mercury under owner Mat Ishbia, especially the new practice facility and the roster.

“I wanted to be around the right people, but I also wanted to be around coaches I know would make me better, will invest their time into getting extra reps in and getting these extra practices in,” Sabally told Arizona Sport’s Burns & Gambo.

“So that is something that I wanted, being with an organization that not only supplies like a great arena to play in, but also supplies a great practice facility. I’m in here right now, actually, and it’s just absolutely stunning … Environment really dictates a lot how you grow, how you develop and I feel like I’m in good hands here. So that was also on top of the list.”

As a designated core player, Sabally had to be moved via trade, and the Wings worked to get her to her preferred destination. The Mercury pulled off a mammoth four-team deal to acquire her from Dallas and fellow All-Star forward Alyssa Thomas from the Connecticut Sun.

The Mercury, looking to get back into title contention for the first time under Ishbia’s ownership, completely remodeled the roster this offseason, dealing Sophie Cunningham, Rebecca Allen and Natasha Cloud while Brittney Griner signed with the Atlanta Dream.

Phoenix is counting on its Big 3 of Sabally, Thomas and Kahleah Copper, although Sabally was hesitant to coin the phrase “super team” until they hit the floor.

“I think we’re getting there, and I think we’re building it,” Sabally said.

She's joining a team of other WNBA superstars like Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas, but @satou_sabally wants to see how her new team plays on the court before calling the Phoenix Mercury a 'Superteam'.

Full interview: https://t.co/jbqTDjDXAX pic.twitter.com/sxwxTNrAQO

— The Burns & Gambo Show (@BurnsAndGambo) February 5, 2025

How long the core lasts is to be determined. Phoenix’s Big 3 are all under the last years of their respective contract with pay raises expected for next season after the league agreed to an 11-year TV rights deal worth a reported $2.2 billion. The WNBA enters its final season before a new collective bargaining agreement will be negotiated.

For the upcoming season, Phoenix determined that devoting resources into building a stacked top three was its best shot at competing.

Satou Sabally championed Mercury’s tradition

Joining a three-time champion organization with a legacy led by Diana Taurasi — who has not announced whether she will play in 2025 — is meaningful for the new Mercury forward, she explained. The 26-year-old told reporters during her introductory press conference she’s looked up to Taurasi and Griner and sees representing the Mercury as a responsibility.

“It really means stepping into footsteps of women who have paved the way for me, footsteps of women who have won,” Sabally said. “I want to be that. I want to be great, and I want to have teammates that want to follow that same goal. So that comes with being part of this organization. I think that will just be a great part, and also a great challenge for me in my professional life to have everything come together, and everything that I’ve worked so hard for.”

When asked what she brings head coach Nate Tibbetts’ squad, Sabally highlighted her versatility.

She is a 6-foot-4 forward with three-level scoring ability.

Sabally averaged a career-high 18.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game in 2023, making her first All-WNBA team. A shoulder injury limited her to 15 games last season, but she put up 17.9 points while shooting a career-best 45.2% from long range.

She also led Team Germany to the quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics. This offseason, Sabally has joined many WNBA stars in the 3-on-3 Unrivaled league.

Satou Sabally tonight 🔥

• 29 points
• 10/17 FG

pic.twitter.com/VQ9deHdFgt

— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) January 25, 2025

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