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Phoenix Mercury forwards Satou Sabally (0) and Alyssa Thomas (25) and guard Lexi Held (1) celebrate after forcing a Seattle Storm timeout during the Mercury home opener in the PHX Arena in Phoenix on May 17, 2025.

'Honestly A Slap In The Face': Satou Sabally Reveals True Feelings On WNBA’s Expansion Announcement

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 9:24 PM ET

Satou Sabally didn’t hold back after the WNBA revealed new teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia—calling the league’s proposal a “slap in the face.” She’s all for growth, but slammed what she sees as playing favorites before supporting current roster stability.

“We got a proposal from the league, which was honestly a slap in the face,” Satou Sabally told reporters, laying it out in sharp terms. She didn’t sugarcoat it.

That same frank tone continued when Satou Sabally added: “Adding teams in Philly and Detroit, how amazing is it that the league can grow? But how cool would it also be to have expansion on the rosters? Maybe focus on the teams… that lack investment into their players before we focus on adding more.” Her message? Growth means nothing without a foundation.

Satou Sabally’s main critique is that the league is planting more seeds, but some gardens still need water. With depth charts capped at 12, she’s warning of thin benches, less rest, and big dips in talent if investment doesn’t happen first.

Satou Sabally is wearing her union hat loud and proud, reminding the WNBA that expansion feels great, but wins only stick when rosters are built smart.

The WNBPA and league officials are reportedly entering negotiations now. Satou Sabally just tossed fuel on the fire, demanding real investment before markets multiply. Whether the WNBA moves on expansion or roster reform next, Sabally made it clear: don’t slap a bandaid on deeper wounds.

Satou Sabally Blasts All‑Star System After Teammate Snub

Satou Sabally didn’t mince words when talking about the All-Star voting process after her Mercury shooting partner, Alyssa Thomas, was left off the starter lineup.

“She definitely should have been an All-Star starter,” Sabally told reporters. “We’re second in the league, and I feel like we’ve been under the radar the whole time. For someone like AT not to be part of it, just shows that the system could be a little different.” That’s Satou Sabally talking about the All-Star pickings.

Jun 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) shoots against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Mercury are sitting second-best in the league, leading with efficiency and grit, yet Satou Sabally sees the All-Star process missing the mark. She’s showing loyalty, but also calling for change, suggesting that votes alone shouldn’t outweigh what players on the floor actually deliver.

Jun 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) scores against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Expect more ripples from the Satou Sabally camp. If the voting systems stay skewed, she’s ready to push for a change, rocking the boat from the hardwood to the voting booth. Change isn’t easy, but Satou Sabally just sparked the conversation.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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