Why Seattle Storm rookie Awa Fam won't play in preseason opener

When the Storm face the Golden State Valkyries in an WNBA exhibition opener on Saturday, their standout rookie Awa Fam will play in a game halfway across the world.

The 19-year-old Fam, who was taken No. 3 overall in the WNBA draft last week, is playing with Valencia Basket, which takes on Hozono Global Jairis in the regular-season finale of the Liga Femenina in Spain.

The 6-foot-4 center is averaging 9.0 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 51.9% from the field in 29 league games for Valencia Basket this season.

In 12 EuroLeague games, she's averaging 7.0 points and 4.8 rebounds for Valencia Basket.

After Fam's season with Valencia Basket ends, she's expected to join the Storm.

Because she's a rookie, Fam is exempt from the WNBA prioritization rule that mandates players with three or more years of experience in the league report to their teams by the start of training camp or May 1. Non-compliant players face a season-long suspension.

The Storm, who host the Portland Fire in an exhibition at Climate Pledge Arena on Wednesday, begins the WNBA regular season on May 8 at home against the Valkyries.

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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 6:32 AM.