Nyara Sabally Biography: New York Liberty Forward, WNBA Champion & All-Pac-12 Star

Nyara Sabally is a German professional basketball player who currently plays forward for the New York Liberty in the WNBA. Known for her versatility, resilience, and strong presence in the paint, Sabally has overcome multiple injuries to become a key contributor and champion at both the collegiate and professional levels.

Nyara-Sabally
Nyara-Sabally

Early Life and Background

  • Full Name: Nyara Sabally

  • Date of Birth: February 26, 2000

  • Hometown: Berlin, Germany

  • Height: 6’5″ (1.96 m)

  • Weight: 204 lbs (93 kg)

  • Position: Forward

  • High School: Schul-und Leistungssportzentrum Berlin (SLZB)

    • Developed her game in Berlin’s elite sports school system

    • Younger sister of WNBA player Satou Sabally

College Career: Oregon Ducks (2019–2022)

  • Redshirted freshman year due to ACL injury

  • 2020–21 (Redshirt Sophomore):

    • 12.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 blocks per game

    • All-Pac-12 selection

    • Led team in scoring and rebounding

  • 2021–22 (Redshirt Junior):

    • 15.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 blocks per game

    • All-Pac-12 selection

    • Eighth in double-doubles in Pac-12 (8)

    • Scored in double figures in 19 of 24 games

    • Finished sixth in Pac-12 scoring and third in rebounding

  • College Totals:

    • 666 points, 354 rebounds, 87 assists in two seasons

Professional Career

  • WNBA Draft: 1st round, 5th overall, 2022 WNBA Draft by New York Liberty

  • Teams:

    • New York Liberty (2022–present)

  • WNBA Stats:

    • 2023: 33 games, 2.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.2 blocks per game

    • 2024: 26 games, 4.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.7 blocks per game

    • 2025 (early season): 1 game, 6.0 points, 5.0 rebounds

    • Notable Moments:

      • Missed rookie season due to injury

      • Played key role in 2024 WNBA Finals, scoring 13 points and grabbing 7 rebounds in 17 minutes off the bench in Game 5

      • Critical defensive rebound with 13 seconds left in Game 5 to help secure championship

  • International:

    • USK Praha (Czech Republic, 2023–2024)

    • Fenerbahçe (Turkey, 2025)

    • German national team (since 2015, FIBA U16, U18, and senior teams)

Achievements & Honors

  • WNBA champion (2024, New York Liberty)

  • WNBA Commissioner’s Cup champion (2023)

  • Two-time All-Pac-12 selection (2021, 2022)

  • FIBA U18 European Championship gold medalist (2018)

  • FIBA U18 European Championship MVP (2018)

  • Led Oregon in scoring and rebounding (2020–21, 2021–22)

  • Assistant coach at Sacramento State (2022–23)

Playing Profile

  • Strengths:

    • Versatile scorer and rebounder

    • Strong defensive presence and shot-blocking

    • High basketball IQ and leadership

    • Clutch performer in big games

  • Style:

    • Athletic, skilled forward who excels in transition and half-court offense

    • Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality

FAQs About Nyara Sabally

What position does Nyara Sabally play?
Forward

Which team does she play for?
New York Liberty (WNBA)

How old is Nyara Sabally?
25 (born February 26, 2000)

What are her main achievements?
WNBA champion, Commissioner’s Cup champion, two-time All-Pac-12 selection, FIBA U18 European Championship gold medalist and MVP, led Oregon in scoring and rebounding

What is her playing style?
Versatile, athletic forward with strong scoring, rebounding, and defense

Conclusion

Nyara Sabally is a resilient and dynamic forward whose versatility, defensive presence, and championship pedigree have made her a valuable asset for the New York Liberty and a rising star in women’s basketball.