Satou Sabally Reflects on Joining Liberty and Family Legacy

Satou Sabally, who was born in New York, recalls her mother often saying that one day she’d spend time in the city with her younger sister, Nyala.

After Nyala was picked by Toronto in the expansion draft, and Satou signed a two-year deal with the Liberty, there were some confusing moments. But in the end, it seems their mother’s words proved true.

“I’m really proud of how people view Nyala. I’m carrying on our family tradition,” Satou expressed during a press conference for her induction with the Liberty. “She paved the way; I want to follow in her footsteps. She’s won championships and city titles, and I’m aiming for the same.”

This personal drive influenced her decision to sign with the Liberty for a two-year contract worth $1.67 million, as reported by Madeline Kenney. Satou was eager to be on the East Coast, where the time difference would make it easier to stay connected with her family back in Germany.

Her fondness for New York stems from the significant time she has spent there.

Sabally emphasized her desire to be part of an organization that values high standards and attends to its players’ needs—something she felt was lacking at the onset of her career in Dallas, leading to discussions during collective bargaining negotiations.

For Sabrina Ionescu, there’s an inkling of “unfinished business” from her days at Oregon, and she believes the Liberty is her best chance to secure success. Last season with the Mercury, she almost made it, but Phoenix fell short against the Aces. This year poses a fresh challenge. With a strong lineup including Ionescu, Brianna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones, Sabally feels the team has immense potential.

“I want us to win together,” Ionescu said. “It’s been quite a while since that Oregon game, but we still chat about it. I really enjoy playing alongside Stewie; coming here was a sound choice.” Sabally added that she may not have previously played with some teammates, but appreciates the strength they bring.

“Sure, if I become a superstar, I could choose another team for perhaps $1.20 or $1.40 million. But I want that championship,” she noted. “I feel my resume is missing that.”

“I’m an All-Star. I know my worth, but I want that ring,” she stated, acknowledging that the expectation is high for a title run after her signing with the Liberty.

First-year head coach Chris DeMarco is aware of these pressures, especially with a condensed WNBA schedule fast approaching, with the regular season kicking off shortly after a speedy training camp and preseason.

However, bringing another star into a team with a winning mentality is a significant step.

“We’ve got that championship experience,” DeMarco affirmed. “Teams lacking players who know what that feels like often struggle to break through. We’re positioning ourselves in that championship conversation.”

Sabally feels similarly.

“I finally felt in shape during Game 3 of the Finals, and it was exhilarating,” she shared. “Facing off against Ajah Wilson made me think, ‘This is why I compete.’ Even if we didn’t reach the peak, that moment mattered.”

“Honestly, I’m glad I haven’t achieved everything yet. It gives me something to strive for. Basketball is my passion, and it allows me to reflect on my values, my priorities, and where I envision my future. I truly believe this is the right place for me to harmonize everything in my life,” she added.

“New York is vast, and so am I. It feels like the perfect fit.”