Satou Sabally Joins Latest York Liberty Following Departure from Phoenix Mercury

The landscape of the WNBA has shifted again as All-Star forward Satou Sabally moves to the New York Liberty. The German-American standout confirmed her exit from the Phoenix Mercury via a social media tribute, marking the end of a brief but impactful tenure in the desert and the start of a new chapter on the East Coast.

Sabally took to Instagram on April 8, 2026, to thank the Phoenix fanbase, posting a series of photos from her time with the team. “My best year yet. Thank you, Phoenix,” Sabally wrote, effectively confirming reports that she would not re-sign with the franchise during the current WNBA free agency period.

A High-Stakes Year in Phoenix

Sabally’s arrival in Phoenix was the result of one of the most significant transactions of the 2025 free agency cycle. In February 2025, she joined the Mercury as part of a three-team trade involving the Dallas Wings and the Indiana Fever. The move was a cornerstone of Phoenix’s strategy to build a powerhouse core, pairing Sabally and forward Alyssa Thomas with guard Kahleah Copper.

The strategy yielded immediate results on the court. The Mercury finished the regular season with a 27-17 record and fought their way to the WNBA Finals. Sabally was a focal point of that success, starting 39 games and averaging 16.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, shooting 40.4% from the field.

But, the season ended on a bittersweet note. During Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, Sabally suffered a concussion that forced her to sit out the remainder of the series. Without her, the Mercury fell 4-0 to the Las Vegas Aces, who secured their third title in franchise history.

Building a Resume of Excellence

Before her time in Phoenix, Sabally spent five years with the Dallas Wings, where she established herself as one of the premier forwards in the league. Drafted second overall in 2020, she quickly became a dominant force, earning a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team in her debut year.

Her ascent continued through 2023, a breakout campaign that saw her named to the All-WNBA First Team and awarded the WNBA Most Improved Player trophy. Sabally is a three-time WNBA All-Star (2021, 2023, 2025), reflecting a consistent level of play that spans multiple franchises.

Her versatility extends beyond the U.S. League. Sabally has found significant success in Europe, winning the EuroLeague championship in 2023 and claiming three Turkish Super League titles between 2021 and 2023. This international experience, combined with her collegiate success at the University of Oregon—where she helped the Ducks reach their first-ever NCAA tournament Final Four in 2019—has made her one of the most well-rounded players in professional basketball.

The Transition to the New York Liberty

The move to the New York Liberty represents a significant acquisition for the New York franchise. By adding a player of Sabally’s caliber, the Liberty gain a veteran wing capable of scoring, rebounding, and defending at an elite level.

Sabally’s desire for a change was evident before she even arrived in Phoenix. After requesting a trade from Dallas, she told the media she was seeking a franchise that prioritized women’s sports and resources. Her move to New York City—a global hub for sports and media—aligns with those priorities.

For those following the WNBA’s evolving rosters, this move underscores the volatility and excitement of the league’s free agency. Sabally’s journey from Dallas to Phoenix and now to New York highlights the mobility of top-tier talent as teams scramble to build championship-caliber rosters.

As the Liberty prepare for their upcoming campaign, the integration of Sabally will be a key storyline to watch. Her ability to stretch the floor and her experience in high-pressure Finals environments will be invaluable for a team with championship aspirations.

The next confirmed checkpoint for Sabally will be her official integration into the New York Liberty’s active roster as the league moves toward the next phase of the season.

Do you think Sabally’s addition makes the Liberty the favorites for the next title? Let us grasp in the comments.