Seattle Storm placed WNBA rookie and No. 3 draft pick Awa Fam under a temporary suspension on Thursday, taking the 19-year-old center off its 2026 season tipoff roster.
The Storm revealed the temporary suspension on the WNBA transactions page after Fam dodged a final roster cut. The move stems from Fam's overseas commitment to Spanish club Valencia, where she signed a contract that runs through 2029.
Azzi Fudd went No. 1 to Dallas while Olivia Miles went No. 2 to Minnesota, before Seattle selected Fam third overall. All three were considered potential top picks before the 2026 WNBA Draft.
What 'Temporary Suspension' Means for the WNBA Rookie
The temporary suspension is not disciplinary. By placing Fam under this status, she remains within Seattle's salary cap but does not occupy an active roster spot. The Storm can subsequently activate the Spanish international whenever she returns to the States.
Players receive temporary suspensions for several reasons, from international duty to personal reasons. The process differs greatly from a disciplinary suspension for WNBA rule violations.
Fam signed a reported four-year, $1.95 million deal with the Storm after being drafted, but did not feature in Seattle's preseason slate.
Last season, the center averaged 7.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 12 games for Valencia. Fam also represented Spain in March's FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament. There, she recorded 10 points, five rebounds, and two steals in an 84-70 loss to a Team USA.
Seattle remains keen on Fam despite her early-season absence, viewing her as a promising talent capable of making an immediate impact after playing out her Valencia contract.
