Sporting history for Spain: the young basketball player Awa Fam has reached a historic milestone at the 2026 WNBA Draft and is now officially regarded as one of the greatest talents in international women’s basketball.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
The 19-year-old Spanish player Awa Fam, born in Santa Pola (Alicante), was selected third overall in the draft by the Seattle Storm – a result that is unique in Spanish basketball history. No player from Spain has ever been drafted so early into the WNBA before.
A historic moment for Spain
With the third pick in the draft, Awa Fam makes a clear statement about the strength of Spanish women’s basketball. Only two players were selected before her, but her position alone is enough to set a new record.
Her draft success is already being compared to the greatest moments in Spanish sport and highlights how much women’s basketball in Spain has developed in recent years.
The road to the top
Awa Fam has been regarded for years as one of Europe’s greatest talents. She made her debut for Valencia Basket at just 15 years old, quickly establishing herself as a key player.
In her still early career, she has already achieved numerous successes:
- several national titles with Valencia Basket
- victories in the Copa de la Reina
- Super Cup successes
- as well as a silver medal at EuroBasket 2025
Her rapid rise is the result of consistent development and early support within Spain’s youth basketball system.
Talent with roots and personality
Alongside her sporting abilities, her personality also stands out. Awa Fam has Senegalese roots and repeatedly emphasises her close connection to her family and heritage.
Despite her early fame, she is regarded as down-to-earth, focused and thoughtful – qualities that define her both on and off the court.
Big goals in the WNBA
After being selected, the Spanish player made it clear that joining the WNBA has long been a dream of hers. She has been working towards this moment since childhood.
She now aims to develop further in the United States, learn, and compete at the highest level – without losing her identity.
Significance for Spanish basketball
Der Erfolg von Awa Fam wird in Spanien als weiterer Beweis für die starke Entwicklung des Frauenbasketballs gesehen. Immer mehr Spielerinnen schaffen den Sprung in internationale Top-Ligen und bestätigen die Qualität der Ausbildung im Land.
With her third overall pick, Awa Fam makes a new statement – and could become the face of a new era.
Conclusion
Awa Fam represents a new generation of Spanish athletes: young, talented, internationally successful, and still deeply connected to her roots.
With her historic draft success, a new chapter now begins for her – and possibly a new golden future for Spanish basketball.
