Satou Sabally, now an unrestricted free agent, announced her decision to leave the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-wings">Dallas Wings</a> during a media session in Miami on Thursday. The 26-year-old forward has spent the first five years of her WNBA career with the team.



As one of the top players in the upcoming <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/wnba">WNBA </a>free agency period, her announcement has generated significant buzz. “I’ve already communicated with Dallas how grateful I am because they’ve made this a home for me over the past years,” Sabally said at Unrivaled’s media day. “I’m working with them to find a new home for me.”



“I’ve already played my last game in Dallas,” she confirmed. “At first, they were still trying [to keep me],” Sabally said of the Wings’ reaction. “But I think the most effective approach is working with the player, listening to their wishes, and finding the best solution for both sides.”



Sabally also noted the strong communication between her agent and the Wings’ front office. “There was always great communication, more so on the agent front now because I need to focus on Unrivaled. I trust my staff and the front office to handle things from here,” she added.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250109_BUS_309792_sabally-1024x576_eb79fd1c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-309950" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09182453/sabally-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09182453/sabally-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09182453/sabally-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09182453/sabally-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09182453/sabally-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09182453/sabally-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09182453/sabally-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/09182453/sabally.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Satou Sabally playing for Germany during the 2024 Paris Olympics (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



As Sabally prepares for free agency, the Indiana Fever and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-liberty">New York Liberty</a> have emerged as top contenders for her services. She expressed excitement about the free agency process, saying, “I’m excited to talk to players across the league. I haven’t played for a different team yet, and I’m looking forward to getting to know them more personally and learning how they approach the game.”


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<h2>How can the Fever sign Sabally? </h2>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana-fever">Indiana Fever</a> could assemble a trade package for Sabally that includes forward NaLyssa Smith and their No. 8 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Smith, who voiced her frustrations over playing time last season, is in the final year of her rookie contract. Pairing her with the draft pick could present Dallas with a strong offer for Sabally, who has up to two years of team control under core service rules.



<h2>What about the New York Liberty?</h2>



Sabally has also expressed interest in playing with her sister, Nyara Sabally, who is currently with the New York Liberty. “I would love to play with my sister,” she told ESPN. However, the Liberty’s frontcourt already features stars like Breanna Stewart—who has stated she plans to re-sign—and Jonquel Jones, making the team’s roster a tough puzzle to navigate.

Sabally leaves Dallas Wings: Fever and Liberty emerge as potential destinations

Sabally leaves Dallas Wings: Fever and Liberty emerge as potential destinations - Bolavip US

miniaturas

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/wnba">WNBA</a> has experienced explosive growth over the past year, fueled by the emergence of rookie stars like Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese and Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark. As the league continues to expand, fans eagerly await the Free Agency period, where team rosters could undergo significant transformations.



This year’s free agency class boasts a star-studded lineup, including Breanna Stewart, Nneka Ogwumike, Satou Sabally, and Kelsey Plum. However, the impending negotiation of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) will undoubtedly influence player decisions, as they seek improved opportunities and conditions.



Furthermore, the arrival of new coaches at eight teams, including the Fever and the Sky, adds another layer of intrigue to the free agency period. How these teams reshape their rosters will be crucial to their success in the upcoming season. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming WNBA free agency period.



<h2>Key dates of WNBA free agency period 2025</h2>



<ul><li>January 11-20: Teams have a window to extend “qualifying offers” to their restricted free agents. Teams can also designate certain players as “Core” players.</li><li>January 21: The “negotiation window” begins. Teams can engage in contract discussions with all free agents, but no official agreements can be signed.</li><li>February 1: The free agency signing period officially starts. Players can sign contracts with any team, and teams can submit “offer sheets” to restricted free agents.</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241226_BUS_301015_kelsey-plum-1024x576_bfb01d5c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="kelsey plum " class="wp-image-301048" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155657/kelsey-plum-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155657/kelsey-plum-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155657/kelsey-plum-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155657/kelsey-plum-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155657/kelsey-plum-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155657/kelsey-plum-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155657/kelsey-plum-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155657/kelsey-plum.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum becomes a free agent in 2025</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What types of free agents are there?</h2>



<ul><li>Unrestricted Free Agent: Eligible to negotiate and sign a contract with any team in the league without restriction.</li></ul>


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<ul><li>Restricted Free Agent: Can explore contract offers from any team, but their former team retains the right to match any offer they receive.</li><li>Reserved Free Agent: Players with less than three years of professional experience. Their former team has the exclusive right to negotiate a new contract, but only if they offer the player a “qualifying offer” (a specific salary threshold).</li><li>Suspended – Contract Expired: A rare situation where a player’s contract expires while they are suspended from play. Under the league’s rules, these players are considered to be “withholding services.”</li></ul>



<h2>Players entering free agency</h2>



New York Liberty: Breanna Stewart (unrestricted), Courtney Vandersloot (unrestricted), Kennedy Burke (unrestricted), Ivan Dojkic (reserved), Jaylyn Sherrod (reserved).



Minnesota Lynx: Myisha Hines-Allen (unrestricted), Natisha Hiedeman (unrestricted), Cecilia Zandalasini (reserved), Olivia Epoupa (reserved), Jessica Shepard (suspended-contract expired).



Connecticut Sun: Free agents: Alyssa Thomas (unrestricted), Brionna Jones (unrestricted), DeWanna Bonner (unrestricted), Tiffany Mitchell (unrestricted), Astou Ndour-Fall (unrestricted), DiJonai Carrington (restricted), Veronica Burton (reserved), Caitlin Bickle (reserved).



Las Vegas Aces: Kelsey Plum (unrestricted), Alysha Clark (unrestricted), Tiffany Hayes (unrestricted), Sydney Colson (unrestricted), Queen Egbo (reserved).



Indiana Fever: Kelsey Mitchell (unrestricted), Erica Wheeler (unrestricted).



Phoenix Mercury: Diana Taurasi (unrestricted), Brittney Griner (unrestricted), Monique Billings (unrestricted), Mikiah Herbert Harrigan (reserved), Natasha Mack (reserved), Charisma Osborne (reserved), Celeste Taylor (reserved), Amy Atwell (reserved).


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Seattle Storm: Nneka Ogwumike (unrestricted), Gabby Williams (unrestricted), Mercedes Russell (unrestricted), Sami Whitcomb (unrestricted), Joyner Holmes (unrestricted), Victoria Vivians (unrestricted).



Atlanta Dream: Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (unrestricted), Aerial Powers (unrestricted), Tina Charles (unrestricted), Lorela Cubaj (reserved), Maya Caldwell (reserved).



Washington Mystics: Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (unrestricted), Emily Engstler (reserved), Sug Sutton (reserved), Julie Vanloo (reserved).



Chicago Sky: Isabelle Harrison (unrestricted), Brianna Turner (unrestricted), Diamond DeShields (unrestricted), Chennedy Carter (restricted), Michaela Onyenwere (restricted), Dana Evans (restricted).



Dallas Wings: Satou Sabally (unrestricted), Natasha Howard (unrestricted), Jaelyn Brown (reserved), Sevgi Uzun (reserved).



Los Angeles Sparks: Kia Nurse (unrestricted), Aari McDonald (restricted), Li Yueru (reserved).

2025 WNBA Free Agency: Key dates, facts and full player list

2025 WNBA Free Agency: Key dates, facts and full player list - Bolavip US

Unrivaled announced Monday that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-liberty">New York Liberty</a> star Sabrina Ionescu has secured the league’s final wild-card spot and will join Phantom Basketball Club. Her inclusion completes the league’s roster pool.



The announcement comes as a surprise following a report by ESPN’s Alexa Philippou in December that Ionescu underwent surgery to repair a torn UCL in her right thumb, an injury sustained during the 2024 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/wnba">WNBA</a> Finals.



Despite the setback, Ionescu is expected to resume basketball activities four weeks post-surgery, aligning with the start of Unrivaled’s season on January 17. Phantom Basketball Club will tip off against Laces Basketball Club the following day.



<h2>Ionescu bolsters phantom’s star-studded lineup</h2>



Ionescu joins Phantom through a wild-card selection finalized Saturday as part of a three-team roster adjustment. She will play alongside Satou Sabally, Marina Mabrey, Brittney Griner, Natasha Cloud, and Katie Lou Samuelson.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241223_BUS_299058_sabrina-ionescu-new-york-liberty-1024x576_06b490b2.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="sabrina ionescu" class="wp-image-299191" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23155019/sabrina-ionescu-new-york-liberty-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23155019/sabrina-ionescu-new-york-liberty-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23155019/sabrina-ionescu-new-york-liberty-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23155019/sabrina-ionescu-new-york-liberty-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23155019/sabrina-ionescu-new-york-liberty-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23155019/sabrina-ionescu-new-york-liberty-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23155019/sabrina-ionescu-new-york-liberty-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23155019/sabrina-ionescu-new-york-liberty.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu (IMAGO)</figcaption></figure>



The 27-year-old is coming off a stellar 2024 WNBA season, where she averaged 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. She also delivered a defining moment in Liberty history, sinking a deep three-pointer in the final seconds of Game 3 of the WNBA Finals against the Minnesota Lynx.


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<h2>Ionescu reportedly commands league’s highest salary</h2>



According to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, Ionescu’s Unrivaled contract “puts her in a category of her own” within the league’s 36-player roster. Players in Unrivaled’s inaugural season will reportedly earn an average salary exceeding $200,000, along with equity rights in the league.



While Unrivaled pursued Caitlin Clark with a reported $1 million offer and additional benefits, Ionescu’s inclusion bolsters a roster already featuring co-founders Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, as well as Angel Reese.



<h2>How Unrivaled will work?</h2>



Unrivaled will feature six teams of six players each, competing in a 3v3 format. The season will span eight weeks, kicking off on January 17, 2025, in Miami, Florida. Teams will play a six-week round-robin schedule, with the top four advancing to a two-week postseason.



Additionally, a season-long 1v1 tournament will add another layer of competition. Unlike standard FIBA rules, games will be played on a 70-by-50-foot court with four quarters, a game clock, and a shot clock.



Fans can catch the action on TNT Sports, with streaming available on Max.

New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu joins Unrivaled, completes the roster

Indiana Fever GM discusses decision to let go of Caitlin Clark&#039;s key teammate

WNBA News: Chicago Sky&#039;s new hire could be key to Angel Reese&#039;s development

New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu joins Unrivaled, completes the roster - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-liberty">New York Liberty</a> star Sabrina Ionescu underwent surgery last Friday to repair an injury in her right thumb, according to multiple reports. According to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, the surgery was “to stabilize the ulnar collateral ligament in her right thumb,” and it was a success.



The guard, who celebrated her 27th birthday on Friday, posted a photo on social media on Sunday with a large cast covering her hand and thumb, while celebrating her birthday. In the caption she wrote: “ps: getting my thumb fixed was quite the bday present.”



Philippo reports that Ionescu, who already started rehabilitation, is expected to return to the court in four weeks. ESPN also states that she sustained the injury during the Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, which the Liberty ultimately won in the decisive Game 5 after defeating the Minnesota Lynx.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241210_BUS_289707_sabrina-ionescu-1024x576_ca07ffdb.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="sabrina ionescu" class="wp-image-289716" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/09213439/sabrina-ionescu-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/09213439/sabrina-ionescu-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/09213439/sabrina-ionescu-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/09213439/sabrina-ionescu-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/09213439/sabrina-ionescu-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/09213439/sabrina-ionescu-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/09213439/sabrina-ionescu-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/09213439/sabrina-ionescu.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Sabrina Ionescu’s post on Instagram (IG: @sabrina_i)</figcaption></figure>



Precisely, Ionescu struggled in Game 5, going 1-for-19 overall and missing nine of 10 shots from the 3-point line and scoring five points. However, she contributed with 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.


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<h2>Ionescu’s top season</h2>



Sabrina Ionescu continued her dominant run in the 2024 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/wnba">WNBA</a> season, solidifying her status as one of the league’s premier talents. The New York Liberty star averaged an impressive 18.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game, showcasing her all-around brilliance.



Ionescu’s leadership and scoring prowess were instrumental in leading the Liberty to a championship season, a historic moment for the franchise. Her exceptional performance earned her a spot on the All-WNBA Second Team for the third consecutive year, further cementing her legacy in the league.

WNBA News: New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu has surgery on her thumb

WNBA News: New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu has surgery on her thumb - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/wnba">WNBA</a> is gearing up for its expansion draft on December 6th, which will determine the initial roster for the Golden State Valkyries. As the league’s newest franchise, the Valkyries will have the opportunity to select up to 12 players from the existing teams, but no more than one from each team.



To protect their key players, existing teams can designate up to six players as ineligible for selection. This includes current roster members and players whose draft rights they hold, meaning that it also includes the “core” players.



The Valkyries face challenges in building a competitive team, especially as there are top players like New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart and Nneka Ogwumike are protected due to their core designations.



The upcoming CBA negotiations further complicate matters, as many players are opting for one-year contracts to maximize their earning potential. This could limit the Valkyries’ options in the expansion draft and force them to rely on the college draft to build their team.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241127_BUS_280993_jonquel-jones-1024x576_e80fabd4.webp&amp;width=650&amp;height=365" alt="jonquel jones" class="wp-image-281024" width="650" height="365" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/jonquel-jones-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/jonquel-jones-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/jonquel-jones-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/jonquel-jones-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/jonquel-jones-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/jonquel-jones-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/jonquel-jones-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/jonquel-jones.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></figure><figcaption>Jonquel Jones will become an unrestricted free agent (Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



As the expansion draft approaches, the WNBA landscape is shifting. The Valkyries will need to make strategic decisions to assemble a roster that can compete in the league. The list of the protected players won’t be public.


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<h2>What happens with the unrestricted free agents that can’t be cored?</h2>



While the Valkyries can technically select any unprotected unrestricted free agent, practical limitations exist. Players who have already been cored twice, such as DeWanna Bonner, Tina Charles, Brittney Griner, Natasha Howard, Brionna Jones, and Nneka Ogwumike, are essentially off-limits. Since these players cannot be cored again by their current teams or by the Valkyries, selecting them would serve no purpose.



<h2>Who can the Valkyries pick?</h2>



The Valkyries can select almost any player who was on a WNBA roster at the end of the 2024 regular season. This includes active players, suspended players, players on draft lists, reserved players, and even retired players. However, they cannot select players who were on hardship contracts or unrestricted free agents who haven’t been cored by a team.



<h2>What can existing teams do to protect their players?</h2>



To protect their core players, existing teams can submit a list of up to six players who will be ineligible for selection by the Valkyries. This includes both active roster players and players with future rights, such as draft picks or reserved players.



<h2>When is the Expansion Draft taking place?</h2>



It will take place on December 6th.

WNBA News: Which players can be protected for the next expansion draft?

WNBA News: Which players can be protected for the next expansion draft? - Bolavip US

Latest news from New York Liberty. Find out about all the news related to New York Liberty on bolavip.com/en

New York Liberty - Page 2

Sabally leaves Dallas Wings: Fever and Liberty emerge as potential destinations

2025 WNBA Free Agency: Key dates, facts and full player list

New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu joins Unrivaled, completes the roster

WNBA News: New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu has surgery on her thumb

WNBA News: Which players can be protected for the next expansion draft?