As WNBA teams look to finalize their rosters ahead of the 2026 WNBA season, reports have emerged about Satou Sabally potentially leaving the Phoenix Mercury. Despite having a stellar debut year with the Mercury, Sabally also ran into a rather untimely obstacle that sidelined her on the grand stage of the WNBA Finals.
In Game 3 of the Mercury’s championship series against the Las Vegas Aces, Sabally fell during a rebound sequence as her head collided with the leg of Aces forward Kierstan Bell. Sabally’s injury would later be diagnosed as a concussion, and she ended up sitting out Game 4, in which the Aces completed a sweep to claim the WNBA title.
Now that the three-time WNBA All-Star is rumored to be leaving The Valley after just a single season, fans urged her to take legal action for what they perceived as “mishandling” of her serious injury.
“And Satou make sure you sue them for mishandling that concussion. Made you miss unrivaled and German team hoops. SUE THEM FOR EVERYTHING”
“Game 3 finals, I saw her hit her head, bend her neck really bad. Merc contacted med staff 1) did not secure her head & neck, and 2) walked her off the court upright, contrary to protocol that would have her carrier out on a stretcher. Her lack of presence broke ius in finals.”
“Satou really need to sue them folks. Concussions are tricky but the way they mishandled her on national television was crazy”
“Yo facts because that was crazy”
“Thats definitely a reason shes not returning I guarantee it”
“They did you wrong. I saw it fully.”
Front Office Sports’ Annie Costabile added that “meetings with multiple teams are anticipated” as Satou Sabally reportedly weighs her options over the next several days.
Reporter Brings Up Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper Amidst Rumored Satou Sabally Departure
For what it’s worth, Mercury beat writer Hayden Cilley has name-dropped two Phoenix players in his speculation regarding Satou Sabally’s departure.
“I’m surprised, yet not surprised. It’s probably hard for a player of Sabally’s caliber not to be the de facto option when players like Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper are on the team. Should make for an interesting new couple of days/week.”
The combination of Thomas, Sabally, and Copper made it all the way to the WNBA Finals last year, but it remains to be seen if this trio will remain intact and be in a position to run it back.
