Rumors that Satou Sabally wanted to leave Dallas had been floating around for a while. Some of her social media activity got Indiana Fever fans excited about the chance of adding her to the big three already in place. Now, it is official. Alexa Philippou reported that Sabally communicated her wish to play for a new team in the 2025 season with the Dallas Wings.
The most likely situation will be that Dallas cores Sabally to prevent her from just walking away for nothing in free agency and trades her to the team with the best offer. Several teams, like the New York Liberty, Chicago Sky, or Indiana Fever, could put together compelling packages. Even the new Golden State Valkyries could make an offer if they wanted to secure Sabally as the franchise’s first star.
Sabally has been struggling with injuries for most of her career, playing only a total of 97 games over five seasons. When healthy, she is one of the best players in the league, though. Considering that most players will likely only pursue one-year deals until the new CBA kicks in, trading for Sabally could very well be worth the risk for a team trying to win in 2025.
Several teams will likely pursue Sabally, but she won’t be the only player to garner plenty of interest this offseason.
Several big names may be on the move this offseason
While the news that Sabally wants to leave Dallas was certainly big, it may not even be the most significant move that will happen this offseason. It may just be the first domino to fall in a crazy free agency period.
This current free agency class is stacked. Breanna Stewart will most likely re-sign with the New York Liberty and chase another championship, and Kelsey Mitchell’s place seems to be in Indiana for now. But, even with those two off the board, plenty of significant names could become available. Nneka Ogwumike could leave the Seattle Storm, Kelsey Plum could look for a change of scenery and leave the Las Vegas Aces, and the Connecticut Sun could lose one or all three of Brionna Jones, Alyssa Thomas, and DeWanna Bonner.
On top of that, plenty of solid role players, like Natisha Hiedeman and Courtney Vandersloot, will also hit free agency. Unrivaled may even play a role in player recruitment and new relationships forming or give organizations some ideas about potential pairings.
For example, if Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally play incredibly well together on the Phantom, it could push the Liberty to make a trade offer for the latter. Or, if Courtney Vandersloot clicks with Aaliyah Edwards and/or Rickea Jackson, the two youngsters on the Mist, the Mystics and Sparks may consider pursuing the veteran in free agency.
Free agency is not the only way players can leave their current teams, however. Jewell Loyd already made a trade request, so she will likely play for a different franchise in the 2025 season.
This WNBA offseason may not only see a lot of player movement in general but could also see a lot of stars change teams. It is only the beginning, though. Since many players will want to land short-term deals and wait for the new CBA to sign longer-term contracts, there could be even more player movement in the 2026 offseason.