Satou Sabally (left) and Cathy Engelbert (right). Photo credits: Imagn

'It’s Really Not Responsibble For A Commissioner': Satou Sabally Releases Strong Words Against WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Over League’s Expanded Schedule

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 8:26 AM ET

No love lost as Satou Sabally minced no words to describe WNBA commissioner Cathy Englebert and how the organization is handling game scheduling.

Speaking after her recent game against the Seattle Storm, the Phoenix Mercury forward certainly let everyone have a piece of her mind. With the WNBA’s efforts to expand, adding more teams has effects on both sides of pros and cons. One of the biggest cons is the number of games that a WNBA athlete must play.

“This is a conversation that could also be important for the next CBA. Cathy (Engelbert) added a lot of games… We put our bodies on the line every single time. We had 9 games in 18 days. It’s not really responsible for a commissioner,” – Satou Sabally

In an attempt to question the league’s leadership, she wanted to point out that the WNBA has put more premium on expanding the franchise over the welfare of the players.

The WNBA is already in better shape compared to the previous years, as more and more eyes find their way into the ladies’ hardcourt and more attendees find themselves in the bleachers. And in an effort to keep the momentum going, expansion is one of the natural progressions.

But while the expanded league brings in more teams, more people, and even more money into the league, it will come at an additional cost to the players as it will eat more into their rest time, their off-season breaks, and their mental and physical wellbeing. And this was one of Satou Sabally’s key arguments.

Upward trajectory for Satou Sabally

Despite the Mercury’s loss last Saturday, Satou Sabally has kept herself at a high level of playing for this 2025 season. Already averaging 20.5 points per game, 7.7 rebounds, she’s got a strong start.

Satou Sabally is leading the charge for the Phoenix Mercury as she is currently the top scorer and rebounder for the team which is running 6-4. They’re only behind the Lynx in the Western Conference.

May 11, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) against the Golden State Valkyries during a preseason game at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

As someone who knows what a good performance is, her words would certainly mean a lot to the ladies playing ball in a league that’s been getting more competitive recently.

“Win or loss I always win because I feel like I’m taking something out of this game,” – Satou Sabally

Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) talks with head coach Nate Tibbetts on the sideline during the Mercury home opener against the Storm in the PHX Arena in Phoenix, on May 17, 2025.

Satou Sabally will no doubt do what she can to continue on this superstar-level trajectory. Her elite board crashing, ball-stealing, iron will is one weapon that Phoenix would love to keep sharpening. Could another All-WNBA appearance be on the books for her?

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

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