WNBA Star Satou Sabally Shaves Head to Raise Alopecia Awareness

Indiana Fever's Lexie Hull and other WNBA players show support for Sabally's bold move.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

WNBA veteran Satou Sabally, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, recently shaved her head to raise awareness about alopecia, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. Sabally's best friend is dealing with alopecia, so the issue is personal for her. Sabally's WNBA peers, including Indiana Fever's Lexie Hull and Odyssey Sims, as well as Seattle Storm's Brittney Sykes, praised Sabally for her bravery and vulnerability in sharing her story.

Why it matters

Sabally's decision to shave her head highlights the importance of raising awareness about alopecia, a condition that can have a significant impact on a person's self-esteem and mental health. Her actions also demonstrate the strong sense of community and support among WNBA players, who often use their platforms to advocate for important causes.

The details

Sabally, who spent five seasons with the Dallas Wings before being traded to the Phoenix Mercury in 2025, had an impressive first season with her new team, earning an All-Star nod and helping the Mercury reach the WNBA Finals. This offseason, Sabally has continued to make headlines, this time for her decision to shave her head to raise awareness about alopecia, a condition that her best friend is dealing with.

  • Sabally shaved her head in March 2026 to raise alopecia awareness.

The players

Satou Sabally

A WNBA veteran who plays for the Phoenix Mercury and recently shaved her head to raise awareness about alopecia, a condition that her best friend is dealing with.

Lexie Hull

A guard for the Indiana Fever who showed support for Sabally's decision to shave her head.

Odyssey Sims

A veteran guard for the Indiana Fever who also cheered on Sabally for her bold move.

Brittney Sykes

A guard for the Seattle Storm who commended Sabally for her bravery and vulnerability in sharing her story.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Beautiful inside and out”

— Lexie Hull, Indiana Fever guard

“Yeaaahhh Sa!!!”

— Odyssey Sims, Indiana Fever guard

“S/o to your bravery and vulnerability. You're dope Sa!”

— Brittney Sykes, Seattle Storm guard

The takeaway

Sabally's decision to shave her head to raise alopecia awareness showcases the strong sense of community and support among WNBA players, who often use their platforms to advocate for important causes. Her actions have inspired her peers and fans, highlighting the positive impact that professional athletes can have when they use their voice and visibility to bring attention to important health issues.