Women’s basketball is flexing its global muscles, as the league ushered in the latest batch of international rookies at Monday’s 2026 WNBA Draft.
No. 3 pick Awa Fam Thiam (Spain) is joining 2025 No. 2 pick Dominique Malonga (France) in Seattle. Both European recruits started their pro careers at just 15-years-old.
Later, WNBA newcomer Portland picked up Fam Thiam’s Spain teammate Iyana Martín Carrión at No. 7. Connecticut subsequently selected French forward Nell Angloma at No. 12.
“[The WNBA] was always my dream,” Fam Thiam told Slam Magazine. “If I am there, I will keep improving… Seeing the best players in the world, seeing what they’re doing each day, how they approach the game, and competing against them.”
WNBA Draft Creates Avenue for Global Talent Like Awa Fam Thiam
US-born prospects must either graduate, be four years removed from high school, or turn 22 within the year to be draft-eligible. However, international players are eligible the year they turn 20 — creating another avenue for young talent.
19-year-olds Fam Thiam and Angloma and 20-year-old Martín Carrión all arrive with years of professional and national team experience. But that doesn't mean there isn't room to grow as they enter a new career phase in the WNBA.
“When I was defending Emma Meesseman, it was like, ’Oh my God. I was only 19 years old and I’m playing in the EuroLeague and defending one of the best players in Europe,’” Fam Thiam recalled.
“It was a special moment. I’m [thinking], ’OK, I’m doing things well, and I want to keep improving.’”
