The WNBA world was taken by surprise today as Chicago Sky guard Marina Mabrey and recent draft prospect Saniya Rivers announced they have ended their relationship. The couple, whose romance became public in late 2023, called it quits after barely nine months together.
The announcement, made through a brief, joint statement on their social media accounts, cited “irreconcilable differences and the demanding nature of our professional paths” as reasons for the split. “We have the utmost love and respect for one another, but have mutually decided to part ways,” the statement read. “We ask for privacy as we navigate this transition individually.”
Their relationship, often highlighted in off-court features and social media posts, was seen by fans as a bright spot connecting established and emerging talent in the league. Mabrey, 27, is a seasoned sharpshooter known for her gritty play, while Rivers, 22, is a highly-touted guard preparing for her professional career after a standout collegiate journey.
Friends close to the pair suggest the intense schedules and geographical distance—with Mabrey based in Chicago and Rivers training and likely to be drafted to a different city—created an unsustainable strain. There were no public signs of trouble, making the announcement all the more shocking to their followers.
Both athletes emphasized in their statement that they remain supportive of each other’s careers and wish nothing but the best moving forward. As the WNBA season approaches, Mabrey will focus on leading the Sky, while Rivers prepares for the upcoming draft. Their split marks the end of one of the league’s most-followed modern romances, a reminder of the personal challenges that can accompany life in the professional sports spotlight.
