Sabally Sisters Navigate First Playoff Matchup, Maintain Close Bond
The Phoenix Mercury’s elimination of the New York Liberty in the 2025 WNBA Playoffs marked the first time sisters Satou and Nyara Sabally faced each other with championship aspirations on the line, but the duo prioritized maintaining their close relationship throughout the competition.
In a recent interview with Glamour magazine, where both were named 2025 Women of the Year, the sisters discussed their approach to the tense first-round series. “I think, now, it was all more so enjoying the moment and really being excited for each other,” Satou Sabally revealed. “But this is the first time this is actually pretty serious, so we’re like, ‘Okay, well, are we going to talk about what happens afterwards about the different scenarios?’” Nyara Sabally added, “You give the other person probably a little space after… there’s no bad blood or anything… you might be upset a little about the situation afterwards, but it’s nothing. We’ll still probably hang out after the game.”
The Mercury ultimately defeated the defending champion Liberty 2-1 before falling to the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA Finals. Despite a limited amount of shared court time due to Nyara Sabally’s recovery from a right knee injury, the sisters didn’t shy away from competitive play. The pair, born to a Gambian father and German mother, possess distinct personalities both on and off the court. “I feel like I’m not a very chippy player, that’s more Satou,” Nyara explained, while Satou confirmed, “Nyara, she’ll play the piano at home. I’m the one dragging her out [of] the house.” However, they share a common love for food and travel.
This sibling rivalry extended to international play, as the sisters played together for the German national team at the 2024 Olympics, their first time as teammates since their days at Oregon. Looking ahead, both sisters plan to spend the offseason in Miami, Florida, with Satou participating in Unrivaled and Nyara focusing on continued rehabilitation. The outcome of this playoff series highlights the growing competitiveness and talent within the WNBA.
The sisters are now focused on preparing for the 2026 season, with Nyara aiming to return to full health and Satou continuing to build on her success.
