Social media is teeing off on the WNBA after Phoenix Mercury All-Star Satou Sabally complained about having to play on back-to-back nights.

The Mercury had little time to rest following Thursday’s 83-61 blowout loss to the Las Vegas Aces, as they had to quickly turn around to complete their back-to-back on Friday against the Golden State Valkyries.

Speaking to reporters before Friday’s game, Satou Sabally made headlines when she complained about the WNBA’s scheduling and expressed her concern about player safety.

“It’s like they don’t care about player safety,” Sabally said, per Desert Wave Media. “It’s like they don’t care about scheduling.”

As you would guess, social media had plenty of angry reactions to Satou Sabally’s comments.

“This league is so unserious,” one fan said.

“never has any league in history been more unlikeable,” wrote a user.

“40 games and they want to load manage already lol,” quipped another.

“They deserve less. What a joke,” a fan said.

“But they want NBA money and don’t play 8/ games 😂,” wrote another.

“Can’t play back to back but constantly crying about deserving more money. Comical,” said a user.

Indeed, there have been plenty of injuries to notable WNBA players this year. Superstar guard Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever has missed most of the year due to various injuries, and there’s no timeline on when she may return.

Sophie Cunningham, who’s emerged as one of the league’s most popular players for stepping up as Clark’s enforcer, suffered a season-ending knee injury last week. Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier hasn’t played in three weeks because of a sprained ankle, too.

Satou Sabally Is HAving Another Strong Season For Mercury

The three-time All-Star is having another excellent season in Phoenix, averaging 17 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game through her first 30 contests of 2025.

Sabally, who won the 2023 Most Improved Player honors, has Phoenix sitting comfortably in a playoff spot with a 21-14 record through 35 games. Though they entered Friday seven back of the Lynx for the top seed, the Mercury are a virtual lock to return to the postseason.

After Friday’s game, Phoenix will get three days of rest before they return to action against the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday.

Strictly Come Dancing bosses set to shake up format ahead of this year’s series(Image: BBC)

The BBC has hit out at reports that Strictly Come Dancing bosses have decided to change the format the show ahead of this year’s series. The celebrity line-up has been a major talking point among fans for weeks as names including Dani Dyer, Emmerdale star Lewis Cope and former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison are to take part.

According to reports, a celebrity and their professional dancer will switch up as viewers will be able to vote for who they want to see dance with their favourite pro dancer. But the BBC are adamant that the traditional format of the show will remain the same.

When contacted by the Mirror, a representative told us: “There’s absolutely no truth to this story.” This comes after a source told The Sun: “A switch-up week is a great way to spice up Strictly Come Dancing.

Strictly Come Dancing bosses set to shake up format ahead of this year’s series(Image: PA)

“Fans will be able to vote for which celebrity they want to see dance with their favourite professional dancer.” The TV insider said that the change in format could effect the momentum of the celebrity as their level of comfort with their partner grows week on week.

But this is not the first time the switch up format has been introduced on one of the Strictly spin-offs. Dancer Kai Widdrington, who was previously paired with Angela Rippon, took part in the switch up week while on Dancing With The Stars in Ireland, in 2020.

At the time, the new format was introduced as it was a success in America and Kai was paired with former Big Brother winner turned presenter, Brian Dowling.

Aside from the switch up format, professional dancer Ian Waite has suggested that the BBC consider an all-star version. In a recent interview with the Mirror, he said: “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was an all-star version. It can be in April or May as a series with all the top dogs like me and Zoe and, I don’t know, Brendan and Natasha!?”

Ian has hinted that he would like the broadcaster to also consider having former pro dancers return, similar to that of other shows within the franchise.

He went on to say: “But Strictly don’t even bring back pros – apart from Aljaz [Škorjanec]! You don’t find that anywhere else in the – in America, they come and go, same with.”

He added: “I think it gets to be very tiring and intense. Imagine having a year out then coming back so much fresher. I’m sure a lot of the pros would like to have a break!”