While the WNBA Finals are in full flow, the players involved are also keeping an eye on the ongoing CBA negotiations saga. Satou Sabally was one player who criticized the league’s approach during the All-Star game and now spoke about the same during her practice session.
Even though NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed confidence in resolving the WNBA labor dispute before October 31, the Mercury forward issued a stern warning to the league.
Satou Sabally With Warning To WNBA
The scenario in the WNBA is not encouraging at all. Napheesa Collier openly fired shots at the league commissioner, questioning her accountability. While Cathy Engelbert tried to settle the dust, the Lynx forward canceled the ‘peace’ meeting, highlighting her discontent with the top executive.
A WNBA analyst suggested that the relationship between players and the WNBA commissioner is now ‘beyond repair’. On October 7, Sabally once again spoke about the negotiations and the possibility of a lockout.
“Obviously, it will be very interesting to see if the league finally makes an effort to show us that they value us or see where their employees will go,” Sabally said during the interview.
Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally on the potential WNBA lockout looming.
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) October 7, 2025
“It would be very interesting to see if the league finally makes an effort into showing us that they value us or seeing where their employees will go.”#WNBA pic.twitter.com/Df0SxSDSCG
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
Early in 2025, the WNBPA players had already declared the possibility of a lockout if the CBA negotiations fell apart. Since the start of the season, there have been no positive signs of the discussions going ahead towards a conclusion.
Former WNBPA Vice President Kelsey Plum also mentioned that there might not be a 2026 WNBA season, looking at the way things are going. Once the Finals are over, the attention will shift to the CBA discussions, and Sabally can be more aggressive on the topic.
Satou Sabally Criticized WNBA Throughout The Season
But this is not the first instance where the 27-year-old criticized the league. She even spoke about the tough and grueling season, forcing players to play games without rest. In August, after a loss against the Las Vegas Aces, the forward was vocal about match schedules in the press conference and slammed the league for quick fixtures.
She even slammed the Wings fans who booed her during her away game against the Wings. On CBA, the star was also aggressive, constantly targeting the league whenever she got the chance. Even though her teammates were quite reserved, the star forward never shied away from speaking her heart out.
As far as the WNBA finals are concerned, Sabally already mentioned that she embraces an underdog role and will look to prove the people wrong.