Satou Sabally has emerged as one of the WNBA’s most exciting talents, now taking on a crucial role with the Phoenix Mercury. Her versatile style and on-court impact have cemented her status as one of the league’s standout players.
Her journey reflects a blend of multicultural roots and relentless drive. From her early steps in basketball to reaching the professional stage, her rise showcases not only her skill but also the determination that fuels her career path.
Her path hasn’t been free of obstacles. Injuries and the pressure to maintain excellence have tested her resilience. In Phoenix, she enters a new chapter, balancing personal evolution with the demands of professional success.
How old is Satou Sabally?
Born on April 25, 1998, Satou Sabally is currently 27 years old—an age where many elite athletes hit their stride. Her journey from Berlin playgrounds to the WNBA spotlight spans nearly three decades, blending international upbringing with American college refinement.
How tall is Satou Sabally?
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches (1.94 m) and weighing around 175 pounds, Satou Sabally’s length and agility earned her the nickname “Unicorn”. Her height lets her guard multiple positions and stretch defensive schemes with perimeter shooting—a rare combination in the league.
Satou Sabally’s love life and family
Born in New York City to a Gambian father and German mother, Satou is the third of seven siblings. Her childhood spanned New York, Gambia and Berlin—a journey that shaped both her global outlook and her competitive spirit.
Her sister Nyara, drafted by the New York Liberty, frequently makes headlines as her on‑court counterpart. The two shared a historic Olympic stage in Paris 2024, becoming emblematic of Germany’s first qualification in women’s basketball.
She keeps her romantic life mostly private, choosing instead to highlight her deep bond with family. In interviews, she credits her siblings—not a partner—for grounding her during long seasons overseas and off‑season training.
Satou Sabally’s injury
In February 2024, Satou Sabally suffered a left shoulder injury during an Olympic qualifying tournament in Brazil while leading Germany to its first-ever women’s Olympic berth. She played through the pain, securing victory against Brazil before the injury forced surgery nine days later.
Dallas Wings officially announced she underwent a shoulder procedure on February 20, 2024, with no early return timeline, but expected full recovery. The team anticipated her return in August after the Olympics.
She joined Germany again at the 2024 Paris Olympics, appearing in exhibition matches (e.g. vs. Team USA) where she posted modest stats but declared triumphantly “I’m back” on social media. Post‑Olympics, she was medically cleared and returned to Wings action in mid‑August.
What is Satou Sabally’s jersey number?
Throughout her WNBA journey—from Dallas to Phoenix—Satou Sabally has worn the number 0, a choice that reflects her bold identity and rebirth in every new chapter. That jersey number has become symbolic of her position‑fluid style, athletic versatility, and the brand she has built as the league’s so-called “Unicorn”.
Satou Sabally’s career highlights
- Drafted No. 2 Overall in 2020 (Dallas Wings): She entered the WNBA spotlight immediately after her standout tenure at Oregon. Despite joining during the pandemic-shortened “Wubble” season, she quickly made her presence felt and earned All‑Rookie honors in just her debut year, showing promise amid tough conditions.
- WNBA All‑Rookie Team (2020): While her rookie season was marred by a concussion and back issues, she still impressed enough to be named to the league’s All‑Rookie Team, setting the stage for her eventual breakout.
- Breakout season and career highs (2023): In her healthiest season yet, she averaged 18.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.8 steals per game—an electric leap from her 2022 numbers. Her efficiency surged to 43.5% from the field and 36.1% from 3‑point range.
- Most Improved Player (2023): That dramatic year earned her the Kia WNBA Most Improved Player award, marking her emergence among the league’s elite after overcoming previous setbacks.
- All‑WNBA First Team (2023): Her consistency and all-around impact secured her a place on the All‑WNBA First Team—joining rare company like Candace Parker in WNBA history as one of few players to average 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in a season.
- First Career Triple‑Double (July 28, 2023): In a commanding performance versus Washington, she posted 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists—the second triple‑double in her franchise’s history. Her leadership shone as she credited teammates for opening space and shared praise with them postgame.
- Record Debut with Phoenix (2025): After a blockbuster trade, she debuted for the Mercury with a franchise-record 27-point outing in an 81–59 opener against Seattle, immediately setting the tone for her new chapter.
- Historic Offensive Start to 2025 Season: She became the first Mercury player ever to begin a season with back-to-back games scoring 25+ points, including 27 and 25 over the first two contests. That stretch sparked early season momentum and attested to her new fit in Phoenix’s system.
- Statistical Excellence and Team Impact (2025): Through her first 17 games with Phoenix, she averaged career highs: 19.1 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.6 APG, and 1.4 steals per game on efficient shooting splits. She earned her third All-Star selection as a starter and became a driving force behind Phoenix’s top-tier performance.