Mercury Star Satou Sabally Sends Brutally Honest Message to WNBA Amid Tension
Less than 24 hours after the WNBA celebrated the league's biggest expansion yet, one of The W's brightest stars called out the decision makers loud and clear.
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Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally didn't hold back when she spoke to reporters Tuesday. The WNBPA rep straight up called the league's latest CBA proposal a 'slap in the face,' per Front Office Sports.
Sabally's frustration came as the league announced three new teams: Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, that will push the WNBA to a record 18 franchises by 2030.
'I love to see the league growing,' Sabally said. 'But how cool would it also be to have a little bit of expansion on the rosters? Let's focus on the teams that have everything set up right now.'
Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally passes the ball against the New York Liberty© Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The ongoing conversation comes as the WNBA is negotiating a new CBA with players as the current agreement expires in Oct. Players want more roster spots and improved pay before the league spreads itself thinner.
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According to Colin Salao of Front Office Sports, the league sent its first proposal to the union last week. The insider's source revealed the pitch didn't fully address the players' concerns.
The money flowing into the league is more lucrative than ever. Expansion teams paid a reported $250 million per franchise.
The NBA and WNBA secured a new media rights deal worth as much as $3 billion. Still, players feel their share hasn't grown fast enough.
Indiana Fever players Sophie Cunningham and Sydney Colson made it clear last week. 'It's time for a CBA that reflects our true value,' Cunningham said, per Sports Illustrated.
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Even Caitlin Clark chimed in Tuesday on Instagram Live.
'We get more for [the Commissioner's Cup] than you do if you're a [WNBA champion]," Clark said candidly. "Makes no sense. Someone tell Cathy [Engelbert] to help us out.'
The clock is ticking on a new deal, and Sabally is making sure everyone's watching.
Related: Mercury Coach Doesn't Hold Back on Diana Taurasi's Possible Final Game
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
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