Satou Saballi’s message after an unparalleled injury update

Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabali has been suspended indefinitely from participating in the upcoming second season of Unrivaled due to the long-term effects of a concussion suffered during the 2025 WNBA Finals. Unrivaled, a professional 3-on-3 league, made a statement on Friday, confirming that Sabali will be re-evaluated at a later date.

“Due to lingering symptoms of a concussion suffered during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, Phantom BC’s Satou Sabali will be sidelined indefinitely and will be re-evaluated at a later date,” Unrivaled said in a statement. “Phantom has signed Tiffany Hayes, who returns to Unrivaled after playing for Laces BC last year.”

Phantom BC signed Tiffani Hayes from the Golden State Valkyries to fill a roster spot. Hayes, who played for Laces BC last season and averaged 11.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and three assists, originally decided to play in the Women’s EuroLeague for 2026. She joins a team that includes Natasha Cloud, Dana Evans, Aliyah Boston, Kiki Iriafen and Kelsey Plum.

Sharing the news on social media, Sabali announced Unrivaled’s announcement on her Instagram story with the inscription:

“In due time. God speed.”

Sabali, who had a breakout season with the Mercury, suffered a concussion on Oct. 8 in Game 3 against the Las Vegas Aces. With 4:26 left in the fourth quarter, Sabali collided with Aces defender Kirsten Bell as she tried to get back up, her head hit Bell’s knee. She remained on the floor for a few moments before trying to get up, showing visible unsteadiness, and was eventually helped into the locker room by a teammate and Phoenix staff. Despite her comeback efforts, Sabali missed Game 4, and Las Vegas won its third WNBA title in four years.

Before the injury, Sabali was in impressive form during the final. In the 3rd game alone, she scored 24 points with five rebounds, three assists and a block. Throughout the series, she had notable performances, including 19 points, four rebounds and four assists in Game 1 and 22 points, nine rebounds and two assists in Game 2.

In the 2025 VNBA season, Sabali averaged 16.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game, leading the Mercury to a 27-17 record and an appearance in the VNBA Finals. This was her second season with Phoenix after five years with the Dallas Wings.

Sabali also played for Phantom BC in Unrivaled’s inaugural season, averaging 15.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 13 games since the start of 14. Her best performance came against Mist BC, scoring 29 points with three rebounds and an assist, helping the Phantoms to their first win of the season. Although they performed well individually, the team finished in last place with a record of 4-10.

The unrivaled 2025-26 season begins on January 5, with the championship scheduled for March.