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.
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.’”
Women's basketball analysts remain divided over the top 2026 WNBA Draft selection, as WNBA mock drafts gear up for the Dallas Wings' second consecutive No. 1 pick.
The Wings face a crucial decision between 19-year-old Spanish center Awa Fam or a skilled guard to complement 2025 top pick Paige Bueckers. Bleacher Report and The Sporting News both predict that Dallas will take Fam, citing her rare combination of size, skill, and athleticism at such a young age.
Two playoff teams from 2025 — Minnesota and Seattle — own lottery picks due to previous trades. Both franchises can make strategic roster additions without rebuilding pressure.
TCU point guard Olivia Miles holds strong second-pick projections across major WNBA mock draft boards. The 23-year-old transfer could bring elite passing skills and improved 3-point shooting to strengthen Minnesota's aging backcourt.
UConn's Azzi Fudd lands at No. 3 in most projections despite struggling in the Huskies' Final Four upset. The sharpshooting guard remains one of the draft's premier floor-spacing options for lottery team Seattle.
UCLA's NCAA championship run also boosted its seniors into first-round consideration. Bleacher Report moved Most Outstanding Player Lauren Betts to Washington's No. 4 pick, while The Sporting News sees the Mystics selecting Bruins point guard Kiki Rice instead.
Guards Gabriela Jaquez and Gianna Kneepkens also drew first-round projections after UCLA's dominant tournament performance. Bleacher Report lists six total Bruins on its 2026 WNBA mock draft tally, potentially rivaling South Carolina's 2023 record.
LSU's Flau'jae Johnson remains a mock draft favorite despite inconsistent senior production, with analysts predicting the athletic wing to land between No. 5 and No. 6.
How to Watch the 2026 WNBA Draft
The 2026 WNBA Draft takes place on April 13th, live on ESPN.
Dallas has once again jumped to the front of the line, as the Wings locked down the No. 1 overall pick at the 2026 WNBA Draft, scoring the top draft selection for the second straight year at Sunday's lottery.
The Wings selected UConn star guard Paige Bueckers with last year's No. 1 pick, with the NCAA champion going on to win 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year.
"We've got an exciting young group, and we really bond together," said Dallas Wings forward and 2023's overall No. 3 draftee Maddy Siegrist. "I'm excited to bring someone else in."
In the rest of Sunday night's 2026 lottery results, the league's rich got richer, with 2025 WNBA playoff contenders the Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm claiming the No. 2 and No. 3 picks, respectively, after both teams gained draft assets via trades.
The Washington Mystics will boost their already impressive young roster with the fourth draft pick in April, while the Chicago Sky snagged the fifth and final lottery spot on Sunday.
With 2026 WNBA season expanding to 15 teams, the league's two incoming expansion sides — the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire — will select in the Nos. 6 and 7 spots.
As for the 2026 class, top NCAA prospects including UConn guard Azzi Fudd, UCLA center Lauren Betts, and TCU guard Olivia Miles — as well as international star Awa Fam from Spain — are likely to earn early selections in April's WNBA Draft.