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Awa Fam Goes No. 3 to Seattle in WNBA Draft, Setting Spanish Record

The selection underscores Spain’s talent pipeline in a WNBA now offering higher minimum pay.

Overview

  • Awa Fam was selected third overall by the Seattle Storm, the highest draft spot ever for a Spanish player in the WNBA or NBA.
  • Spain’s haul also included Iyana Martín at No. 7 to the Portland Fire and Marta Suárez at No. 16 before Seattle traded her rights to the Golden State Valkyries.
  • Seattle plans to pair Fam in the frontcourt with Dominique Malonga and Ezi Magbegor, a trio expected to bring size and shot-blocking.
  • Project B, a new private league that schedules games outside FIBA’s calendar, paid about €500,000 to buy out Fam’s Valencia contract, and she will leave after this season.
  • New WNBA labor terms boost the league’s minimum salary from roughly $66,000 to about $277,500, making a U.S. move more attractive for international players.