Satou Sabally on Leveling Up With the Phoenix Mercury & Her Journey From Germany to the WNBA
WNBA star Satu Sabally, known as the league's "Unicorn," joins Sue Bird to share her incredible journey to becoming one of the WNBA’s most versatile and dynamic players. Satou opens up about her breakout 2023 season, which saw her earn a spot on the WNBA All-Star First Team and finish fifth in MVP voting. She also reflects on her German roots, her transition to the U.S., and the sacrifices that shaped her career.
In this episode, we get into everything—from her rookie struggles and learning the physicality of the WNBA to her decision to request a trade to the Phoenix Mercury. Satou breaks down her personal growth, overcoming injuries, and the mental toughness required to compete at the highest level. Plus, she shares her thoughts on team chemistry with Phoenix’s Big Three and her goals for the 2025 season.
Whether you’re a die-hard WNBA fan or simply love hearing stories of perseverance and success, this episode is for you.
Don’t miss out—hit that follow button for more exclusive WNBA content with new episodes every Friday!
00:00 - Intro
01:07 - Sue’s View
02:47 - Playoff Race Insights
06:50 - Resting Players Strategy
09:23 - Liberty Team Concerns
12:25 - Alyssa Thomas, Phee, A'ja MVP Cases
18:02 - Regular Season Impact on MVP
21:30 - Satou Interview
27:07 - Growing Up in a Big Family
31:54 - Playing Pro in Germany
36:48 - Choosing Oregon for College
40:15 - College Recruitment Insights
42:51 - Adjusting to College Basketball
46:17 - Playing with Sabrina Ionescu
48:59 - Trio Success at Oregon
52:25 - 2020 NCAA Tournament Cancellation Impact
54:02 - Leaving College Early
55:33 - Entering the WNBA Bubble
58:58 - Adjusting to WNBA Physicality
1:05:54 - Satou's Breakout in the 2023 Season
1:08:38 - Olympics and Shoulder Injury
1:14:13 - Requesting a Trade
1:18:10 - Current Game Style
1:19:46 - New Trio and Roster Dynamics
1:25:07 - Defining Success for the Mercury
1:26:15 - Returning to Dallas Experience
1:27:08 - Wrapping Up with Satou
1:27:51 - Outro
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Rhyne Howard on the Dream’s Title Hopes, Using Doubt as Motivation, and Her Kentucky Years
The Atlanta Dream’s Rhyne Howard sits down with Sue Bird to reflect on her standout Kentucky years, her early years in the W, and her aspirations to bring a championship to the Dream. They discuss how Rhyne strongly considered transferring after Kentucky head coach Matthew Mitchell retired before deciding to stay with the program. They also dive into how Howard consistently turns doubt into motivation, what people get wrong when they question her motor, and why she sees it as simply playing at her own pace.
They also discuss her impact on both ends of the court and what she thinks of the Dream’s new head coach Karl Smesko and his system as Atlanta chases a title.
Plus, Sue gives another history lesson — this time on Elena Delle Donne and her incredible 2019 MVP season.
Subscribe to the Bird’s Eye View podcast with Sue Bird YouTube channel today for more WNBA interviews, reactions and highlights. New episodes out every Friday!
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Napheesa Collier on the Lynx Dominance, UConn Hoops, and Being an Elite Defender
Napheesa Collier sits down with Sue Bird to discuss her journey from Jefferson City, Missouri to UConn—why her freshman year was such a challenge, and how she turned that struggle into becoming an elite defender. They explore the influence of Maya Moore on her career, and how Collier has anchored the Minnesota Lynx atop the WNBA standings this season.
Phee also talks about playing under Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, and how her style compares to Geno Auriemma’s at UConn. She shared how impactful the veteran leadership of Sylvia Fowles was early in her professional career, and how playing overseas helped her develop by experiencing the unique styles and physicality of different leagues. They also discuss Collier’s experience co-founding Unrivaled with Breanna Stewart.
Plus, Sue answers listener questions about her statue at Climate Pledge Arena and which historical WNBA moments new fans should watch.
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Kelsey Plum Opens Up About Leaving the Aces, Proving Herself, and Leading the Sparks
Two-time WNBA champion, Four-time All-Star, and Olympic gold medalist Kelsey Plum joins Sue Bird to open up about her decision to leave the Las Vegas Aces, how she’s fought to prove herself in every stage of her career, and what it means to lead the Los Angeles Sparks. They also discuss her incredible career at the University of Washington and Plum's early years in the league.
Plus, Sue breaks down how this season will impact the 2026 draft order and what is leading to both the Aces and the Sparks' recent success.
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Caitlin Clark on Returning From Injury, Her Legendary NCAA Career, and Navigating WNBA Defenses
his week, we welcome the one and only Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever. Caitlin opens up about so much, starting with her iconic run at Iowa and making two NCAA Championship games, and how she stayed grounded while becoming a household name. Caitlin also shares how she’s learning to adjust to the physicality and defensive tactics of the WNBA, her “risk assessment” in the passes she makes and shots she takes, and why the Fever have been the perfect organization to start her career. She also candidly discusses what it’s been like dealing with her injuries this season — including what she’s missing most about being on the court, but also what she’s come to learn from the sideline and how she thinks her career will benefit going forward. Caitlin also explains how she manages the high praises and harsh criticisms she receives, before closing with her top three shots of her career.
Plus: Sue breaks down the latest WNBA trades, and gives a big shoutout to Naz Hillmon and the Atlanta Dream.
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Bird’s Eye View is your courtside seat to the WNBA, hosted by Hall of Famer and four-time champion Sue Bird. Every week, Sue offers sharp insight, candid analysis, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories that spotlight the brilliance of women’s basketball — on the court.
From the Vox Media Podcast Network and TOGETHXR.
New episodes drop every Friday here and on YouTube.
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