PHOENIX—Shamekka Marty, Co-Founder and CEO of the sports health nonprofit Beyond the Game Health, is a leading health advocate who spoke at the WNBA Legends brunch earlier this summer.
In an exclusive interview with Ballislife, Marty shared insights on the injury suffered by Phoenix Mercury star Sabally Sabally during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Wednesday.
Satou Sabally Out for Game 4 of the 2025 WNBA Finals with a Concussion
The Phoenix Mercury announced Thursday that forward Satou Sabally would miss Game 4 of the WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces due to concussion protocol.
Sabally’s injury occurred in the fourth quarter of Game 3 when she collided with Kierstan Bell’s knee. The officiating crew called it a common foul. Mercury players gathered around Saball, who remained down, and she was carried off the court by teammate Kalani Brown.
Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson told reporters at an optional shootaround on Thursday that her “heart is heavy” for Sabally.
During the Mercury’s shootaround Friday, head coach Nate Tibbetts said he saw Sabally in the doctor’s office after Game 3 on Wednesday and noticed she was in pain and dizzy.
Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson said her “heart is heavy” for Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally who was ruled out of Game 4 with a concussion.
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) October 9, 2025
Wilson said as a leader she needs to make sure the Aces locker room does not get complacent.#WNBA pic.twitter.com/V0FtvFLCG8
Shamekka Marty spreads awareness on chronic illness
Throughout her career, Marty has become a motivational speaker who has championed causes such as chronic illness, mental health, women’s health, and digital inclusion in sports.
Her life was filled with adversity, included undergoing a kidney transplant just two years ago and caring for her relatives with serious health issues. Honored as one of the Top 25 Women in Healthcare IT and a Top 10 Chronic Illness influencer in 2025, she now shares her story to inspire others.
Marty met with Ballislife for an exclusive interview on the extent of Sabally’s injury and how health insurance works in the WNBA, as the CBA negotiations are still ongoing.
Ballislife: What is the extent of Satou Sabally’s injury, which has her in the concussion protocol?
Marty: Satou Sabally’s concussion places her in a very sensitive state where her brain needs proper rest and evaluation. While full details have not been released, concussions are unpredictable and can vary in severity. Returning to play too soon can increase the risk of re-injury or long-term neurological effects that may not appear immediately. Same as a car accident injury.
Ballislife: What are the long-term effects of the concussion on Sabally, who is in the prime of her professional career?
Marty: If not managed correctly, concussions can lead to CTE. Because this condition can cause memory loss, changes in mood or behavior, depression, a person can suffer long-term cognitive decline. For a player in her prime, it can shorten her career and affect her mental health and quality of life for years to come. Us as women already experience hormonal issues throughout our lives so this just adds to it. This could even go undetected and is not talked about for women as it is for men because of this.
Ballislife: How could this type of injury affect Sabally physically and mentally throughout the WNBA Finals?
Marty: Physically, she may experience fatigue, light sensitivity, balance issues, and slower reaction times, which make it difficult to perform at an elite level. A concussion can lead to anxiety, frustration, and self-doubt. The pressure to play while still recovering can cause emotional distress and impact confidence, especially during high-stakes moments like the Finals. She may personally not forgive herself for trying to play through it or that she failed her team. The self doubt can be a barrier that some just can not overcome.
Ballislife: How does health insurance work in the WNBA, as the league undergoes important CBA negotiations?
Marty: Compared to men’s professional leagues, the structural safety net is weaker in areas such as guaranteed full pay during injury absences, long-term disability protections, or strong supplemental injury compensation clauses. NBA players like Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons can sit out through injuries or contractual disputes and still receive full salary; WNBA players often lack those same protections and thus face significant financial risk when injured or forced to rest. It depends on how the contract was drawn.
Ballislife: Elena Delle Donne was diagnosed with Lyme disease. She missed the 2020 season to avoid COVID-19 after playing the previous year with three herniated discs. Those factors changed the trajectory of her career. In your opinion, is this something Satou Sabally should also be concerned about?
Marty: Yes. For Satou Sabally, this concussion should be taken very seriously because the long-term impact of pushing through injuries can be life altering. Many WNBA players feel pressure to play through pain because missing games affects their income and career standing. That pressure can lead to permanent damage that could have been prevented with proper recovery and support. Coaches and medical professionals that are on STAFF should advocate for their well being. If we are proactive then wins will be all around (player and team).
