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Aug 19, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) looks on against the Golden State Valkyries in the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

'I Mean That’s Wrong': Satou Sabally Exposes WNBA Pay Gap With Stunning Claim About Unrivaled Earnings

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 12:28 PM ET

Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally has opened a new conversation about the pay gap in women’s basketball after revealing she made more money in the new Unrivaled league than she did across most of her WNBA career.

Speaking on Tuesday, Sabally admitted she was surprised by the league’s public stance on restricting players from joining rivals. “I wasn’t aware that they already publicly announced that (not wanting its players to play in rival leagues),” Sabally said, via Desert Wave Media. “I mean that’s wrong. I made more money at Unrivaled than, excluding this year, in my entire WNBA career.”

The statement highlights how little the average WNBA player earns compared to opportunities elsewhere. While top stars like Breanna Stewart or A’ja Wilson may secure major endorsement deals, most athletes are still forced to look overseas or join new projects like Unrivaled to keep their income stable.

Unrivaled, launched by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, has quickly become an attractive alternative, offering higher pay in a shorter season. Sabally’s comments underscore how the WNBA’s pay scale isn’t just low compared to men’s sports, but also to newer leagues with fewer resources.

The debate comes as the WNBA celebrates record attendance and TV numbers in 2025. Yet players like Satou Sabally argue that growth must reflect in salaries too. The league’s financial rise may be real, but the players’ call for fairness remains louder than ever.

Satou Sabally reacts as her comments regarding the WNBA’s schedule cause outburst

Satou Sabally didn’t hold back when asked about the league’s demanding calendar, and her words sparked strong reactions among fans and analysts.

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

“It’s like they don’t care about player safety,” Sabally said on Saturday, via Sports Illustrated. “It’s like they don’t care about scheduling or whatever. I know people always love to come and say, ‘Oh, you guys want to get paid more, you guys need to play all these games.’ But at some point, there’s a sports science to it. It’s honestly just like game on game on game.”

Her comments reflect a growing frustration among WNBA players who face back-to-back games, long travel days, and limited recovery time. The concern is not only about performance but also about the risk of injuries that could shorten careers.

Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (left) talks with forward Satou Sabally during her news conference at the Phoenix Mercury Practice Facility after signing as a free agent in Phoenix on Feb. 4, 2025.

By speaking up, Satou Sabally adds to a wider call for reform. Players want the league to value health and scheduling as much as revenue and exposure. Whether the WNBA responds remains to be seen, but Sabally’s voice has made sure the issue won’t be ignored.

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

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