Veteran forward Satou Sabally remains sidelined under the WNBA concussion protocol as the New York Liberty prepare to host the Seattle Storm. Coach Chris DeMarco says her return is uncertain and will likely come after the All-Star break.

Key Takeaways

  • Satou Sabally will miss Monday’s game vs. Seattle.
  • She has played only 13 of the team’s 30 games this season.
  • Leonie Fiebich also out with a left‑foot injury.

Liberty’s Upcoming Showdown

The New York Liberty return to Barclays Center on Monday night to take on the Seattle Storm after improving to 17‑13 with a road victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday.

Sabally’s Injury Status

Sabally has not played since late June, when she exited the Liberty’s matchup against the Las Vegas Aces after taking an elbow to the face. She remains under the WNBA’s concussion protocol and will be unavailable for Monday’s contest.

Coach’s Update

Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco told reporters on July 17 that “she’s starting to feel better. There’s no timetable for her return. It will definitely be after All‑Star. She’s progressing right now. We’ll get her back on the court and go from there.”

Historical Background

Sabally previously dealt with a concussion during Game 3 of the 2025 WNBA Finals while playing for the Phoenix Mercury, when her head collided with Aces forward Kierstan Bell’s knee. That injury ended her season early and caused her to miss the entire 2025‑26 Unrivaled season.

Impact on the Team

Without Sabally’s 10.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game, the Liberty must rely on bench players and adjust their offensive schemes. Her shooting efficiency – 45.9% from the field and 38.5% from three – has been a crucial component of the team’s scoring.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the absence of a key offseason acquisition like Sabally could shift the Liberty’s playoff trajectory, forcing them to rely heavily on bench depth and tactical adjustments.

"Sabally’s versatility is rare in the WNBA; losing her for an extended period destabilizes both offense and defense," says sports analyst Dr. Maya Rao.
Did You Know?: Sabally helped Germany win the 2020 EuroBasket Women’s Championship, boosting her international reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions

When might Sabally return? Coach DeMarco indicated she could be back after the All‑Star break, but no exact date has been set.

Who else is injured for the Liberty? Forward Leonie Fiebich is out with a left foot injury, leaving the team without two of its primary scoring options.