A name that has made a name for itself not only on the basketball court but also in the fashion world: Satou Sabally. Known as a “unicorn” for her versatility on the court, the star player is starting a new chapter with the Phoenix Mercury, closely following the change that the Unrivalled League will create in women’s basketball and continuing to be the global face of the game with her experiences both in the US and Europe.
Schön! sits down with Sabally to discuss her career in sport, what she looks for in brand collaborations, and more.
You’re called the unicorn for your versatility. What does that term mean to you? And how do you embody it on and off the court?
Being a unicorn means embracing your full, versatile self. So, not only acknowledging one side of yourself, but bringing in different facets of your game and moulding them all together. And when I speak of a unicorn, I don’t only want to speak about myself but about all the people I want to inspire to reach big things that they have always dreamt of.
You’re starting a new chapter with the Phoenix Mercury after years in Dallas. What excites you most about this transition, and what are your goals with this team?
Getting to play with my new teammates is something that excites me the most. I have someone like Alyssa Thomas, who’s an Olympic gold medalist, and Kahleah Copper alongside me. Those are women that I have looked up to and can’t wait to learn from, can’t wait to get better with, and reach a championship. They’re as hungry as I am. Yeah, they have that same hunger, and I feel like that is something that creates a unique bond among people who will do anything to reach the goal that they want. And those are the type of teammates you want around you.
Even with everyone else, like Kalani Brown coming from Dallas and Sevgi, I’m just super excited to embark on a new journey with great people and the best organization around me.
The Unrivalled league in Miami is set to change women’s basketball. How does it feel to be part of this movement, and what impact do you hope it will have?
I think that Unrivalled is important. Creating more awareness for women’s basketball — we are in such a pivotal moment for women’s sports, but also for equality. The conversation around equal pay and us getting the wages that we do here at Unrivalled just shows, first of all, you can be one of the best players in the world, earn an amazing wage in America, and not have to be away from your family.
I think it’s a little different in my scenario, but for global peak basketball, it’s better to have it here and create an opportunity in the offseason for so many WNBA players to compete against each other. It provides resources that help us get better, whether it’s the nutrition side, strength and conditioning—there are so many things that go into the game. And the offseason is when you work on those skills. Unrivalled really provides an opportunity for everyone to get better, get paid, and uplift women’s sports all around the world.
What do you think about the media marketing that Unrivalled is creating?
Yeah, it just shows you don’t even need to have a full arena with 50,000 people to sell women’s basketball or sports, per se. It shows the future of streaming. It shows the future of accessibility to sports and spaces that you might not have access to.
The way they create these unique stories and storytelling from individual people, who then feel more inclined to share their experiences and stories, is amazing.
Marketing-wise, I mean, you see it. We just need to see women. For so long, women have been hidden from the world and the successes of the stage. It’s just time to shine a light on it, and you’ll see that everyone will be energized, magnified, and inspired by it.
Looking back at Germany’s historical Olympic qualification, how did it feel to be part of this moment? And what does it mean for the future of basketball in your home country?
We were the first team ever in German history to make the Olympics, so obviously, that was a dream come true for me. But to do that alongside my sister and so many other German players who really do it for the love of the game meant so much to me. I didn’t feel like I was at the peak of my abilities, but every single game, I still gave everything. And that is what the Olympics are about—really being a participant, having that Olympic sign, and also preparing and setting that first milestone for a future medal. That is definitely the goal now. And it’s just so much more realistic because we were there, we made it to the quarter-finals, and yeah, next time, we’ll advance to the semi-finals, then the finals, and hopefully win that gold.
You’ve played professionally in the US and Europe. How do the different basketball cultures influence your game and perspectives as a global athlete?
I absolutely loved every single phase of basketball that I was in. Just being able to embrace the ups and the downs. Obviously, in America, it was a lot more about peak conditioning, peak strength, really peak performance. In Europe, it’s more Xs and Os that I’ve learned from. You’re able to make mistakes in high-intensity EuroLeague games that also feature other WNBA players and top European players. So it’s a completely different way of playing, but every game you play makes you better.
It’s about how you approach a game, the mental preparedness you bring, and really, as a basketball player, fulfilling the goals that you set for yourself. If you dream big, you’ll achieve big. And if you’re okay with being where you are, then that’s okay too. It’s the love of the game that keeps you going.
You’ve been named the WNBA’s most stylish player by GQ Sports. How do you see fashion as an extension of your identity, and what inspires your style?
When I walk into a room, the first thing you see is me and my clothing. So I like to make a good impression. I like to influence the rooms that I’m in with the purpose that I want to serve for that day. Walking into a basketball game, it’s about bringing in lifestyle, culture, and fashion all together. We’re all in the music world—you see what artists wear, so why not do that before a game? It’s such a unique moment to show our personality and a different side of us beyond just the jersey.
And then, you see us in the jersey. You see us doing our own personal art and everything else together. That’s what I love about bringing fashion into basketball.
Everyone has a different sense of style, and you can see that with player styles but also in fashion overall.
Your partnerships with major brands go beyond endorsements; they align with your values. What do you look for in a collaboration, and what impact do you want to have in the fashion world?
First of all, I want to convey the message that fashion is not something unreachable. When I was growing up, watching fashion shows and seeing people in expensive clothing, I always thought it was unattainable. But it absolutely isn’t. You can go to a vintage store, you can start thrifting, or you can have your favourite pair of shoes styled in 10 different outfits. It’s really about imagination and how you want to present yourself to the world.
When I look at collaborations with a brand, I want to know who is behind the scenes. Do I see women on the board? Do I see women of colour making decisions? That’s important to me. I want brands that are inclusive. I want brands that are sustainable. But also brands that reach an audience that I want to inspire, whether it’s through basketball, fashion, or both.
With the Paris Olympics, Unrivalled, and a new WNBA chapter ahead, what excites you most about the next stages of your career on and off the court?
Right now, I’m focused on my game and having a great season. Like I said, this season is monumental to me, so my focus is on the full WNBA season. I want to be present, I want to be dominant, and I want to execute my goals.
Aside from basketball, I’m continuing to develop business ideas and brand partnerships—especially building on my new partnership with Adidas, which I’m super excited about. There are a lot of things in the works that I can’t speak on too much yet, but I’m finally at a point in my career where I can reflect on my past lessons, mistakes, and successes.
photography. Michelle Helena Janssen
creative direction. TJ Sawyer
fashion. Olive Duran
make up. Caitlin Wronski
lighting. Ryan Silver
interview. Alper Kurtel
