Overview:
This article highlights the rapid rise in popularity of the WNBA and showcases the career achievements of Satou Sabally as a key contributor to the league’s growth. It reviews her early success with the Dallas Wings, including multiple All-Star selections and major 2023 honors, before focusing on her impactful debut with the Phoenix Mercury during the 2025 season. The piece also emphasizes her record-breaking performances and leadership in helping guide Phoenix to early success.
The Growing Popularity of the WNBA
As viewership, attendance, and digital engagement continue to rise, the WNBA has experienced a surge in popularity over the past decade. Increased national media exposure and the rapid spread of highlights across social media have helped push the league into a new era of visibility. Star players, including Satou Sabally and her recent move to the Phoenix Mercury, have played a major role in strengthening that momentum.
The Players Driving the League’s Growth
While league-wide growth is often measured in ratings and ticket sales, the foundation of that success remains the players themselves. Since entering the league as a top draft selection in 2020, Sabally has steadily developed into one of the WNBA’s most dynamic forwards. Her arrival in Phoenix has added to the excitement surrounding the Mercury. It has also reignited conversations about the team’s competitiveness.
Sabally’s Success with the Dallas Wings
Sabally spent her first five WNBA seasons with the Dallas Wings, where she established herself as one of the league’s premier young talents. During her time in Dallas, she earned multiple honors and gained a reputation as a versatile scorer and rebounder.
Two-Time WNBA All-Star
Sabally was selected as a WNBA All-Star in both the 2021 and 2023 seasons, including a starting nod in 2023. This highlights her status among the league’s elite.
All-WNBA First Team in 2023
Her breakout 2023 campaign earned her a spot on the All-WNBA First Team, one of the highest individual honors in the league.
Most Improved Player Award
That same season, Sabally was also recognized as the WNBA’s Most Improved Player, reflecting her rapid development and expanded role on the court.
A New Chapter with the Phoenix Mercury
The 2025 WNBA season marked the beginning of a new chapter as Sabally joined the Phoenix Mercury. Early in her tenure with the team, she has already made a noticeable impact on both ends of the floor. She provides a scoring boost and veteran presence within the lineup.
Strong Opening Performances
Sabally delivered an impressive debut with Phoenix, producing one of the most productive first-game performances by a newcomer in franchise history. Her early scoring outbursts quickly energized Mercury fans. These outbursts signaled her importance to the team’s offense.
Third Career All-Star Selection
Her strong play with Phoenix has earned her a third All-Star selection, further solidifying her position as one of the league’s premier forwards.
Helping Fuel Phoenix’s Early Success
Behind Sabally’s offensive production, the Mercury have posted a strong early-season record and remain firmly in the playoff picture. Her scoring, rebounding and leadership have been central to Phoenix’s early momentum.
Consistent Scoring at a Historic Level
During the 2025 season, Sabally also recorded multiple consecutive high-scoring performances. She joined a short list of players in league history to reach those offensive benchmarks in back-to-back games.
A Star Powering the WNBA’s Continued Rise
As the WNBA continues to expand its audience and cultural influence, players like Satou Sabally remain at the center of that growth. Her transition to the Phoenix Mercury not only strengthens the franchise but also reflects how star power, storytelling, and on-court excellence are shaping the next phase of the league’s popularity.
Sources:
Yahoo Sports — “Boom in WNBA Popularity”
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/boom-wnba-popularity-170006690.html
Sports Illustrated — “Phoenix Mercury’s Satou Sabally Has Award-Winning Year”
https://www.si.com/wnba/mercury/phoenix-sabally-has-award-winning-year
The Next Hoops — “Satou Sabally Is Stepping Into the Spotlight With the Phoenix Mercury”
https://www.thenexthoops.com/wnba/phoenix-mercury/satou-sabally-is-stepping-into-spotlight-with-phoenix-mercury/
Yardbarker — “Mercury’s Sabally Has Award-Winning Year”
https://www.yardbarker.com/wnba/articles/mercurys_sabally_has_award_winning_year/s1_17747_43177906
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Editor’s Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reporting and statistical data from Yahoo Sports, Sports Illustrated, The Next Hoops, and Yardbarker. Opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or any affiliated organization. Predictions about team performance and player impact are based on current data and are subject to change.
