Women’s National Basketball Association rookie Satou Sabally has said Black Lives Matter is a human rights issue rather than a political one.

Sabally, who was born in New York but moved to Germany when she was young, said she’s glad BLM still has momentum.

"I am very hopeful," she told Sky Sports. 

"I have seen countless demonstrations going on in Germany up to this day. It makes me so happy. Demonstrations going on in Portland, where people have taken the streets in fighting for justice.

"Saying 'Black Lives Matter' is nothing political, it's a human rights issue. I am hopeful cause I see that people are out there fighting and speaking up. I just love how this conversation hasn't died on us."

She also had a message for those who are ‘tired’ of hearing about BLM.

"Black people have had to live through all these experiences that you are tired of hearing about it.

 “If you are tired of hearing these things on your Instagram feed or whatever you follow, just imagine how black people feel after centuries of speaking up and demonstrating.”

Sabally was speaking ahead of her first match with Dallas Wings tomorrow against Atlanta Dream.

The league will tip off today for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic caused disruption across the sporting world.