Sunlight is warm and golden, a light breeze swirling in the air before adding another deserved accolade to Satou Sabally’s resume. The 26-year-old WNBA star, fresh off a strong run with the Dallas Wings, stands outside the William H. She wears an Adidas striped trouser and the oversized Y-3 she clashes with the Y-3 patch on the Adidas Sweater, previewing the new partnership she is about to announce.
Phoenix Mercury announced that Sabally has signed with Adidas as the brand’s latest athlete partner and will make a huge career move after signing for the 2025 WNBA season with Phoenix Mercury.
A Fresh Start in Phoenix
“Speaking exclusively to Vogue, Sabally says: ‘I could not be more honored to join the Phoenix Mercury.’” “That is a legendary organization, and I am honored to suit up in the uniform of many legendary players.”
This switch as a player is not about South Africa but growth—personal and professional growth. “I am joining a place now where I can improve and develop my game.”
Mercury has a strong investment in players and top-tier facilities, which is the perfect environment for Satou Sabally to grow. Entering 2023, she emerged as a giant killer to close the WNBA season, forcing her into a WNBA All-Star Game starter and Most Improved Player role.
A Basketball Journey Marked by Grit
Berlin, Sabally was born in New York. As a teenager, she was scouted, moved to the US, and played for the Oregon Ducks, where she earned All-American honors and the prestigious Cheryl Miller Award for the nation’s best small forward. It was her entry into the WNBA as he was the No. 2 overall draft pick in 2020, but early injuries had slowed her progress.
He was representing Germany in the Paris Olympics. ‘I had needed surgery beforehand, and I did not know if I was even able to be a part of it.’ “I was totally surprised at how well I was within five months. I had this amazing rehab with so many people standing behind me.”
Fashion, Friendship, and Finding Balance
Taking basketball to the hip as the basis of her life, Sabally is interested in much more. GQ readers name the WNBA’s most stylish player, and she reeks of pride regarding her armor. She moves through lush, moody, and feminine aesthetics to masculine aesthetics with no difficulty. She loves a good moment Diesel’s Glenn Martens, Willy Chavarria, and Fear of God are among her favorites.
She names Quavo and Tems, and her favorite of all time is Adele. When not playing basketball, she plans outfits and recharges with friends.
Adidas, the WNBA, and the Future of Women’s Basketball
It is more than an Adidas deal; Sabally’s with them, and their brand seems a perfect fit. She has German roots like the brand, and her relationship with now Adidas Women’s Basketball president Candace Parker sealed the deal. Parker says It is about a relationship between her and us.
Sabally looks forward, not for herself but for the WNBA itself. “I would like for the WNBA to be the number one thing people flip to.” I want players to be generational wealth off of their performances.”
As co-chair of the WNBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), she is litigating for better conditions for players, including better training facilities and standardized charter flights. “We unionize; we need to have that power.”
The Road Ahead
Sabally is preparing to join Phoenix and help her team with its new season in the 2025 WNBA and is ready to shape her training and relocation to participate in the 2025 season.
How does she manage it all?
She says with a soft smile, having grace. “In life, there is not much else but grace in your progress.”
With that in mind, Satou Sabally is on the verge of making the next step in an already impressive career.
Ava Thompson is a fashion stylist and trend forecaster, bringing you the latest in fashion tips, outfit inspirations, and style guides to elevate your wardrobe.
