Prayers are pouring in for Satou Sabally after the New York Liberty revealed a worrying development surrounding the star forward’s health. Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco, via WNBA reporter Myles Erlich, announced that Sabally will be away from the team for an unspecified period as she deals with the effects of her second significant head injury in the past twelve months.
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“She’s gonna be away from the team for a little bit,” DeMarco said. “It’s her second significant head injury in the past 12 months. Health will always be the focus. We look forward to getting her back — she’s just taking some time right now.”
The announcement, shared by Underdog WNBA on X, immediately sparked an outpouring of support from fans determined to make their care and concern felt.
“Prayers up for Satou 🙏🏾🙏🏾,” one fan wrote simply. “Praying for her,” said another. A third added warmly, “Sending her so much love. Hope she heals up well ❤️”
Several fans also made clear that they fully understood and supported Sabally’s decision to step away, and encouraged her to take all the time she needs.
“Take your time Satou, rest your strength, recover fully and safely and then RISE! ❤️🫶🏽💪🏾” one fan wrote. Others paired their prayers with a sobering note of concern while hoping for the best.
“Such a talented player. Those concussions can end sports careers so fast. Praying she can get back on the court 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾”
“Wish her speedy recovery, she will be back stronger 😍😍,” another fan said. “😢 Wishing Satou successful healing ❤️❤️,” another added.
Satou Sabally‘s first significant head injury occurred in October last year during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals while she was playing for the Phoenix Mercury. She couldn’t participate in Unrivaled owing to this and spent most of the offseason recovering until March. Her most recent head injury happened on June 23 of this year, during a game against the Las Vegas Aces, meaning the two incidents took place within an eight-month window. She hasn’t played since the injury this season.
Sabally had to go through the concussion protocol and was cleared. However, clearing the official protocol has not translated into feeling fully healthy. Sabally is still not at one hundred percent, leading the Liberty to prioritise her long-term wellbeing over short-term availability.
When asked whether Sabally will be participating in any basketball-related activities during her time away, DeMarco added: “We’ll get there. This is under the guidance of our performance team.”
Sabally signed a two-year, $1.67 million deal this offseason with the Liberty, but the year got away from her early. She missed the start of the season with a cyst, then got sick in late May. She’s only played 13 games this season, putting up 10.4 points and 1.9 assists.
To add to her fans’ concern, Germany is hosting the FIBA World Cup next month, and Sabally would normally be one of the faces of that team if she’s healthy. Right now, nobody knows if she’ll suit up.
As fans continue to send their prayers and support, the hope remains that the star forward can take the time she needs, recover fully, and eventually return to the court feeling like herself again.