Awa Fam Shines in WNBA After Dominating Spanish League

Awa Fam is making waves in the WNBA after being selected third overall by the Seattle Storm in the 2026 WNBA Draft, a milestone that marks her as the highest-drafted player from Spain in league history. The momentous day arrived on April 13, fulfilling a dream that has been years in the making for the young athlete.

However, instead of heading straight to Seattle to prepare for her new role, Fam made the decision to return to Europe, rejoining Valencia Basket, the Liga Feminina team where she has flourished since her teenage years. This choice allowed her to continue competing at a high level, as she played crucial playoff matches for Valencia while gearing up for her transition to the WNBA.

For several weeks, Fam balanced her dual commitments, playing for Valencia during the day and engaging with Storm coaches via Zoom during the evening. The coaching staff in Seattle was keen to establish a rapport with her, aiming to provide a sense of familiarity before her stateside arrival. “We wanted to be intentional about connecting with Awa while she was still in Spain,” commented Seattle head coach Sonia Raman, emphasizing their goal to ease her transition.

Fam’s commitment paid off when she helped Valencia secure their fourth consecutive LF title just days before joining the Storm on May 21. Her WNBA debut followed closely, and she quickly found herself in the thick of the action. In her first game, a 97-85 victory against the Washington Mystics, Fam showcased her talents off the bench, contributing 10 points and two rebounds in 20 minutes of play.

At just 20 years old, Fam is already making an impact, but the transition from European to American basketball has its challenges. “The style is different here,” she noted, reflecting on her experiences. “In Spain, our play is often more tactical, with fewer possessions.” This insight underscores the significant adjustment she faces as she adapts to the faster pace and athleticism prevalent in the WNBA.

Despite the hurdles, Fam’s early performance suggests she is more than capable of rising to the occasion. With the Storm’s coaching staff excited about her potential, her dual experience in Spain and the U.S. will undoubtedly serve her well as she continues to develop her game. As reported by CBS Sports, her ability to manage the demands of both leagues highlights her dedication and talent as she embarks on this new chapter of her career.

As the WNBA season unfolds, all eyes will be on Awa Fam as she navigates this exciting transition, with basketball fans eager to see how her skills translate on the grander stage of American basketball.