“When the lights hit brightest, this unicorn glows.” The Phoenix Mercury posted on Satou Sabally’s debut. While the 2025 WNBA season opener had seen stars shining under the spotlight, one of those bright stars was Satou Sabally. Making a statement debut for the Mercury side, Satou was instrumental in the Phoenix Mercury’s opening day win over the Seattle Storm, scoring 27 points. It was the highest-scoring debut for the Mercury franchise.
The star forward led the side in scoring and was strong in the paint area also. Reflecting on the performance and record, Satou had a special message for the fanbase. “BG [Brittney Griner] called me before the game and told me to say hi to everyone,” Sabally said in an interview. “That meant so much to me. I didn’t want to let down this legendary organization or players like DT [Diana Taurasi].” Her performance on the court and humble demeanour off the court won over the fans. After watching her dominate the floor, fans wanted to know more about her personal life too. Check out her personal life details, including her relationship status.
Who is Satou Sabally dating? Revealing her relationship status
As of May 2025, there are no reports that reveal the relationship status of Satou Sabally. Previously, Sabally was linked to Jalen Jelks, a former NFL player. There’s no public record confirming a breakup date or specific details about their relationship.
The WNBA star seems focused on her career and staying locked in on the court. While fans have occasionally caught glimpses of her life off the hardwood through social media, Sabally hasn’t made any public statements about her relationship status.
For now, it looks like basketball remains her main priority.
Did Satou Sabally date NFL star Jalen Jelks?
Yes, Satou Sabally and Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jalen Jelks were in a relationship. Ironically, the couple were in the same college team, the University of Oregon. On the draft night, their relationship was made public when Sabally was selected by the Dallas Wings. While drafted by the Wings, she discussed only in passing that her boyfriend “Jalen” already lives in Dallas.
Sep 24, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally (0) at press conference during game one of the 2023 WNBA Semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces] at Michelob Ultra Arena. The Aces defeated the Wings 97-83. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
So, when the Dallas Cowboys account asked fans to name the first player who comes to mind when they see the team’s famous star. There was no surprise who Satou chose. “My baby,’ she responded of Jelks.
Currently, there are no reports which reveal if they are still dating each other. They do not follow each other on Instagram, and now with Satou traded to the Phoenix side, it’s hard to constantly stay in touch with their professional commitments.
When was Satou Sabally drafted in the WNBA?
Satou Sabally was the second overall pick in the 2020 WNBA draft. With that, Satou became only the third player from Oregon University to be selected in the first round after Sabrina Ionescu and Ruthy Hebard. After joining the Dallas-based franchise, the Germany-born star was clear with her mission.
“I hope I can put Dallas on the map and get some wins like he did,” Sabally said on Draft Night, referencing another German-born Dallas player and NBA champion, Dirk Nowitzki. “He really inspired German basketball tremendously, and I hope to be the same influence for German and European basketball players in America.”
She was on the spot with her start, with nearly 14 points and 8 rebounds average and earning All-Rookie honors in her first season. Despite some early injuries, the forward developed into an elite player, winning accolades like Most Improved Player and All-WNBA First Team honors in 2023. Her average in that season was 18.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks – all career highs. She also had a 4.4 assists average in that season.
Outside the WNBA, the star also had very productive seasons. Satou Sabally won three Turkish League titles with Fenerbahçe from 2021 to 2013 and even the Euro League in 2023. At the international level, Satou Sabally represented Germany during the 2024 Olympic Games.
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