International negotiations take place between Sabally and WNBA in Contractual Baseball Agreement discussions, drawing on global connections.
Satou Sabally Leads the Charge for WNBA Players
In the heart of the WNBA's busiest season, one player has emerged as a powerful voice for change. Satou Sabally, a star player for the Phoenix Mercury, is not only making waves on the court but also shaping the future of the league off it.
Sabally, a member of the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), has been actively involved in negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). She is a key member of the WNBPA Leadership Committee, advocating tirelessly for fair and equitable terms during the CBA negotiations.
Sabally has been vocal in her criticism of the league’s initial CBA proposals, describing them as a "slap in the face." She emphasizes the need for improvements such as expanded rosters and better salary structures to reflect the league’s growth and players’ value.
Protests across America following George Floyd's death propelled Sabally to take a leadership role on the Social Justice Council. Her outspokenness on social justice issues, while not extensively documented, suggests she is a prominent voice both on and off the court, influencing matters related to players’ rights and equity in the sport.
The push for a significant raise for the players is just the latest extension of Sabally's social justice work. She has also taken a more measured approach with media in recent weeks, focusing her efforts on the ongoing labor talks.
Sabally's international perspective, gained from living in Berlin, Germany, Turkey, and China, has added a unique dimension to the historic CBA meeting in Indianapolis. She has been learning from WNBPA leadership like president Nneka Ogwumike, vice presidents Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, and first vice president Kelsey Plum.
Sabally was selected by the Dallas Wings with the No. 2 pick in the virtual draft in 2020 and has since become an outspoken player in the ongoing labor talks. As she looks to climb the ranks on the executive committee, even potentially becoming president one day, she expresses a desire to lean on current WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike.
With Sabally and her All-Star coworker Alyssa Thomas finally getting healthy again, the Phoenix Mercury are looking to gain momentum heading into the postseason. Despite the busy schedule, Sabally remains committed to her role as a player representative, shaping the future of the WNBA and ensuring fair treatment for all players as the league expands and evolves.
People from various backgrounds are watching with interest as WNBA player Satou Sabally leads the charge for better collective bargaining during the league's busiest season. As a key member of the WNBPA Leadership Committee, Sabally has been instrumental in negotiating a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), speaking out against proposals she believes undervalue the players. In addition to her efforts on the court, she is also a prominent voice on social justice issues and a member of the WNBA's Social Justice Council. With her international perspective and mentorship from WNBPA leadership, Sabally is aiming to climb the ranks and potentially become WNBPA president one day, all while representing players and shaping the future of the WNBA.
