Phoenix Mercury's Satou Sabally Withdraws From WNBA All-Star Game With Ankle Injury

Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally, averaging a career-high 19.1 points per game, will miss the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game due to a lingering ankle injury that has kept her sidelined since early July. Sabally, selected as a starter by Team Caitlin Clark, announced via Instagram that she is prioritizing her recovery to return healthy for the Mercury's second-half campaign and will still attend the All-Star weekend to participate in collective bargaining agreement negotiations with the players' union. Sabally's absence is a significant setback for Team Clark, which also faces uncertainty with Caitlin Clark herself dealing with a groin injury, and reserve Jackie Young likely to miss extended time due to a hip injury. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert will select Sabally's replacement for the All-Star Game, following a similar substitution made earlier for another injured player. The Mercury, currently second in the Western Conference, will rely on other key players such as Alyssa Thomas during this period. The All-Star Game is set for Saturday evening in Indianapolis, where discussions on the league's future labor deal are also taking place.