NEW YORK — Just one year ago, forward Satou Sabally was part of the Phoenix Mercury’s Big Three, players expected to help change the culture in the Valley after the departure of veterans and a relatively newly formed team.
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May 21, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forward Satou Sabally (0) shoots the ball against Golden State Valkyries during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images
Now, one year later, Sabally finds herself in the Big Apple playing for the New York Liberty after helping lead Phoenix to the WNBA Finals last season. The former Mercury forward discussed her reaction to not being “cored,” meaning the team didn’t use the core designation that would have given them exclusive negotiating rights and a fully guaranteed one-year supermax deal.
“Relatively,” Sabally said if she was surprised, speaking to Annie Costabile during Wednesday’s pregame availability. “I think it’s a perspective to being surprised, but I also know that they wanted to keep their options open.”
Aug 7, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (right) celebrates with Satou Sabally after becoming the first player in WNBA history to record three triple doubles in a row against the Indiana Fever at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sabally’s priority shifted toward finding a franchise that fully believed in her, citing that it was something she had to do for her “own protection” while emphasizing the importance of finding a fresh start elsewhere.
“I was more so focused on where I want to be next,” she said when asked if she left on good terms with the franchise. “And I think that is in an environment that really encourages me and believes in me.”
Sabally on her exit from Phoenix (and if she was surprised she wasn’t cored):
(Costabile) #WNBA pic.twitter.com/cRt3QwwXsz— Geoff Magliocchetti (@GeoffJMags) May 27, 2026
The response left room for interpretation.
Sabally acknowledged the Mercury’s flexibility in reshaping the roster, but also suggested there may have been tough discussions between the organization and one of its most impactful players from a season ago.
The All-Star’s departure closed a chapter in Phoenix that featured flashes of elite production alongside difficult injury setbacks. Alongside fellow All-Stars Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, Sabally was one of the Mercury’s most efficient and versatile players during the regular season, averaging 16.3 points while shooting 40.4% from the field.
But her season took a devastating turn during the Finals when she suffered a concussion that forced her to miss Game 4, leaving Phoenix without one of its most important two-way contributors during a crucial moment in the series.
Sep 4, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) attempts a jump shot in front of Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen (44) during the third quarter at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
Despite the end of her season and having to miss her commitments to Unrivaled due to lingering symptoms, Sabally continued to support Valley sports during the offseason, often attending Phoenix Suns and Valley Suns games to show interleague support. Because of this, along with her play in 2025 and her connection with the team, many believed she would re-sign.
Sabally’s comments reflect the reality of the offseason and how teams operate, whether to bet on continuity or look elsewhere. Phoenix did bring back seven players from last year’s team but also added more international talent to bolster its roster.
May 21, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forward Satou Sabally (0) moves the ball past Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images
Both parties have long moved on from each other, but the Valley will always remember Sabally’s contributions that helped fuel a Finals run in what was supposed to be a rebuilding season.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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