Satou Sabally chose New York to put herself in the best possible position to win a WNBA championship.
But the path to success is often riddled with sacrifices, and Sabally made one this week when she took a massive free-agent discount to join the Liberty.
The Liberty inked Sabally to a two-year, fully guaranteed deal that will pay her $815,000 this year and $855,750 in 2027, a source confirmed.
Sabally was eligible to receive up to the $1.19 million max for 2026, and was considered a million-dollar player in the new salary-cap environment. Her cap hit as a percentage of the $7 million limit (11.64%) is down from her 14.27% percent cap hit on a $215,000 salary in 2025.
It felt likely the four All-Stars on the Liberty’s roster would have to take pay cuts. Sabally’s signing below her market value gives the team additional cap flexibility.
The Liberty announced they will host a press conference to introduce Sabally on Friday.
General manager Jonathan Kolb has nearly $5 million remaining to re-sign Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Marine Johannes and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton.
The Liberty announced Wednesday they re-signed Laney-Hamilton, though terms of her deal weren’t disclosed.
Sabally, 27, was a marquee free agent signing for the Liberty, who have the potential to deploy one of the longest lineups in the WNBA this season.
Sabally is nicknamed “the unicorn” because few players possess similar skill sets and size. She has guard-like abilities in a 6-foot-4 forward’s frame.
“Her size, versatility and basketball IQ give us incredible optionality and will unlock lineup combinations that will present significant problems for the opposition,” Kolb said in a statement. “Satou chose New York because she wants to be part of a winning franchise and recognized the championship culture that already exists here. That speaks to her selfless mindset and her belief in what we are building. We’re excited to see her thrive as a key part of a group that is committed to excellence and competing for championships year after year.”
Sabally was drafted No. 2 overall — one spot behind her Oregon teammate Ionescu — in the 2020 WNBA draft. Injuries hampered Sabally during her first five season with the Dallas Wings.
The Liberty made a run at Sabally in free agency a year ago, but she ultimately decided to sign with the Phoenix Mercury, whom she helped reach the WNBA Finals last fall.
Last season, she averaged 16.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in a career-high 39 games.
Sabally was sidelined for Unrivaled earlier this year as she dealt with lingering symptoms from a concussion she suffered in the WNBA Finals. She returned to basketball activities weeks ago, though, and most recently spent time training at TCU.
This season will be a reunion for Ionescu and Sabally, who took Oregon to new heights during their three seasons together.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the New York Liberty and become part of an organization with such a strong championship DNA,” Sabally said in a statement. “The winning culture here is unmatched and I am fully ready to contribute from day one. I can’t wait to get to work, connect with the fans and community, reunite with familiar faces, and do whatever it takes to help bring this city another WNBA title.”
