Satou Sabally Eyes WNBA Free Agency: “I’ve Already Played My Last Game in Dallas”
Satou Sabally’s time with the Dallas Wings has ended. The two-time WNBA All-Star confirmed Thursday that she has played her final game for the franchise as she prepares to enter unrestricted free agency.
Speaking during a press conference at the launch of Unrivaled, a new 3×3 offseason league co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, Sabally reflected on her five seasons with the Wings and expressed excitement about the next chapter of her career.
“I’ve already communicated with Dallas how grateful I am because they’ve made this a home for me for the last five years,” Sabally said. “I’m working with them together to find the next home for me because I’ve already played my last game in Dallas. I’m excited for free agency. I’m able to talk to a lot of players outside the league because I have not played on a different team yet. I’m excited to get to know them more on a personal level, but also how they approach the game.”
Sabally, 25, has spent her entire WNBA career with the Wings after being selected No. 2 overall in the 2020 draft. A 2023 All-WNBA first-team selection and the reigning Most Improved Player, she returned to the court in 2024 following a shoulder procedure and Germany’s Olympic qualification. In 15 games last season, Sabally averaged 17.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 34.1 minutes per game.
Dallas Wings Face Transition
Sabally’s departure comes as the Wings undergo significant organizational changes. Chris Koclanes was recently hired as head coach, and Curt Miller, a two-time WNBA Coach of the Year, was named general manager. The franchise also holds the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft, with UConn star Paige Bueckers the presumed selection if she declares.
Despite Sabally’s announcement, Dallas retains some leverage through the WNBA’s core designation system. Teams can designate one veteran free agent as a “core player,” a status that restricts the player’s ability to negotiate with other teams during free agency. If the Wings core Sabally, she can only sign or negotiate with Dallas unless the team agrees to trade her rights. A core qualifying offer guarantees a fully guaranteed one-year deal worth the supermax, giving the Wings a potential path to either keep Sabally or seek value in a sign-and-trade.
Miller praised Sabally’s contributions during her time with the Wings.
“You have to compliment Satou’s career to this point,” Miller said Thursday. “When healthy, she is an elite player and is a difference maker. We absolutely recognize the talent she has and the impact she can have on this league.”
Focused on Growth in WNBA Career
Sabally emphasized that her decision to leave was made collaboratively with the franchise and that she is focused on finding a team that aligns with her personal and professional goals.
“At first, they were still trying [to keep me], but I think what is most effective is working with the player and listening to their wishes,” Sabally said. “There was always great communication, more so on the agent front now because I need to focus on Unrivaled, and I will.”
Outside of the WNBA, Sabally is dedicating her offseason to Unrivaled instead of playing overseas, a decision influenced by both financial considerations and her desire for career development.
“For me, obviously, we are at the level where finances are important, and with the WNBA not being at the level where we want yet, I will go for the compensation,” Sabally said regarding her choice to play in Unrivaled. “But I will also go for the best setup for me to thrive as a basketball player and get better.”
Sabally believes that participating in Unrivaled allows her to compete against top-tier talent while staying closer to home.
“It allows us to get better and come prepared into the WNBA season while competing against other women that are the best in the league,” Sabally said. “I’m enjoying this experience a lot. It’s the first year; it’s been great, and I see myself here next year too.”
Looking Ahead
As she prepares for free agency, Sabally said she’s eager to connect with new teammates and learn from different perspectives.
“I just love having basketball conversations and high-level IQ conversations about the game to know where I will fit best in the future,” Sabally said.
Sabally’s next destination remains uncertain, but she expressed interest in potentially playing alongside her sister, Nyara Sabally, who is currently with the New York Liberty.
“Yeah, of course. In the future, I would love that,” Sabally said.
The Wings, meanwhile, continue to reshape their roster as they prepare for the 2025 season and beyond. With star guard Arike Ogunbowale still under contract and major organizational changes underway, the team aims to build a new foundation ahead of making Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas Memorial Arena its new home in 2026.
