Phoenix Mercury star Satou Sabally didn’t hold back this weekend. After dropping 22 points in a tough 89–77 loss to the Seattle Storm, the two-time All-Star forward had more than the scoreboard on her mind. She aimed her frustration squarely at WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert—calling out the league’s jam-packed 2025 schedule and what she sees as a serious disregard for player health.
Sabally, who also serves as a WNBPA player rep, blasted the decision to add more games this season, arguing that the physical toll on players is being ignored in the pursuit of expansion.
“This is a conversation that could also be important for the next CBA,” Sabally said postgame. “Cathy added a lot of games… We put our bodies on the line every single time. We had 9 games in 18 days. It’s not really responsible for a commissioner.”
She didn’t stop there.
“Treat professionals as professionals,” she continued. “The league needs to work with players—not just throw them out there like machines.”
Sabally’s concerns are backed up by the numbers. Since the season tipped off on May 16, the Mercury have played a league-high 10 games—essentially suiting up every other day with minimal rest. For elite athletes trying to maintain peak performance (and longevity), that’s a brutal pace.
“Win or Lose, I Always Win”: Satou Sabally Embraces Leadership Role Amid Grueling Grind
Satou Sabally has been playing at an elite level since the start of the 2025 WNBA season. They might’ve lost to the Seattle Storm on Saturday, but the star forward delivered another strong outing after putting up 22 points, five rebounds, and six assists while shooting 7 of 20 from the field.
She also reflected on her development this season and has embraced the role of being the team leader for the Phoenix Mercury in the absence of Kahleah Copper and the others. She’s had consistent performances and has been the driving force behind Mercury’s impressive 6-4 record across 10 games.
“Win or lose I, always win because I feel like I’m taking something out of this game,” Sabally said.
So far in this season, Sabally’s averaging 20.5 points per game while shooting 39.9% from the field, including 25% from 3-point range. She’s also contributing 7.7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, all the while keeping a solid +7 plus/minus rating.
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through [email protected]. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.
