The 2026 WNBA Draft is shaping up to be a historic night, with Spanish phenom Awa Fam potentially ending a 25-year drought for international players at the top of the board. Since Lauren Jackson went first overall in 2001, no overseas star has claimed the No. 1 pick, but the Dallas Wings could change that by selecting the 6-foot-4 center over established U.S. prospects like Azzi Fudd and Olivia Miles.
Fam is not just a lottery talent; she is a potential franchise cornerstone. Her combination of size, athleticism, and proven performance on Europe's biggest stages makes her a uniquely compelling prospect. While Fudd remains the favorite for the top spot, Fam's trajectory suggests she could be the most impactful player in this class.
For fans who have only seen her in highlight reels, Fam's resume is staggering. She made her professional debut in Spain's top league at just 16 and has since competed against elite competition in the EuroLeague. Her international pedigree is even more impressive, having led Spain to silver medals at five different youth levels and earning MVP honors at the 2024 U20 World Cup.
Perhaps her most telling performance came last summer at EuroBasket 2025, where she dominated France in the semifinals with 21 points and 9 rebounds, becoming the first teenager in over 35 years to score 20+ points in a semifinal at that tournament. She followed that up with a strong showing against Team USA in World Cup qualifying, proving she can compete with the best in the world.
On the court, Fam is a modern big with a versatile skill set. Her 6-foot-4 frame, explosive athleticism, and developing face-up game allow her to impact both ends of the floor. She protects the rim, runs the floor in transition, and has shown flashes of a reliable mid-range jumper—a prototype for the future of the WNBA post player.
As draft night approaches, the question isn't just *if* Fam will be a star, but *how soon*. Whether she goes first to Dallas or lands with another lottery team, her arrival signals a new era of global talent flooding into the league, and her game is built to thrive from day one.