Awa Fam’s arrival in the WNBA is set to make her a multi-millionaire, but her path to the Seattle Storm came with a significant financial hurdle that most top prospects never face. Awa Fam is a 19-year-old taking the WNBA by storm, literally. Drafted third in 2026 by Seattle, the Spanish center will enter the league as a prospect who was widely projected as a number one draft pick at different times leading up to draft night.

As Awa Fam’s family joined her at draft night in the United States, the rookie underlined her intentions to carry the Spanish torch on the biggest of stages in women’s basketball. Already a part of the Spanish National Team, Awa Fam brings her professional experience from Europe and will be a handy addition to the WNBA. So what does that multi-million dollar rookie deal actually break down to?

What Is Awa Fam’s Net Worth? While her exact net worth is private, Fam’s financial standing is set for a dramatic shift. Her rookie contract alone is worth nearly $2 million, a significant jump from her estimated $100,000 annual earnings in Europe.

However, her entry into the WNBA came at a cost, as she had to pay a reported $500,000 release clause to her former club, a common but substantial hurdle for international players. Awa Fam Salary & Contract Breakdown Awa Fam’s four-year WNBA rookie-scale contract after being drafted third by the Seattle Storm will pay her a total of $1.95 million. From this, her first year is protected, which means her rookie-year salary of $436,016 is guaranteed.

Her Seattle Storm contract is projected to earn her the following sum over the four years. Year Salary Contract Status 2026 $436,016 Protected 2027 $453,457 Unprotected 2028 $498,803 Unprotected 2029 $563,647 Team Option Apart from the annual salary, Awa Fam can earn additional bonuses. She can earn $5,000 upon making the All-Rookie Team, and a further $15,000 if she wins the Rookie of the Year Award.

There are further bonuses available to her if she earns All-WNBA honors. Awa Fam Career Earnings Awa Fam’s career earnings to date will run close to $2 million if we include her guaranteed rookie-year salary of $436,016. Awa has earned an average of $100,000 annually while playing in Europe for teams like Valencia.

She is estimated to earn around $500,000 annually from potential brand endorsement contracts. Her Project B deal would also see her earn in six figures annually during the offseason. A Look at Awa Fam’s College and Professional Career While the United States basketball circuit prioritizes college basketball, Awa Fam joined the professional circuit at the age of 15.

Valencia Basket signed Fam, who became the youngest player in club history. Since then, the center has emerged as a key player for Valencia Basket, reaching the 100-game mark for the Spanish team and even earning appearances for the Spanish National Team at various age levels. Awa Fam confessed that playing with and against elite players at a professional level from a young age helped her absorb a lot of knowledge and experience.

“Being on the team with Alba Torrens, it was super, super special. She’s always on the court, like, two hours before the game, preparing herself,” Fam told SLAM before explaining, “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.

It was a special moment. I’m [thinking], OK, I’m doing things well, and I want to keep improving.” “Representing Spain for me is special.” Awa Fam Thiam is proud to put on for her country in the WNBA (via @sportsiren) pic.twitter.com/CM0DMOYBMO — ESPN (@espn) April 13, 2026 Awa Fam became the Tournament MVP at the 2024 FIBA EuroBasket under-20 event while earning a silver medal at the senior FIBA EuroBasket in 2025, scoring 21 points against France in the semi-final, a game-defining performance. In doing so, Fam became the first under-20 player to score 20 or more points in a EuroBasket semi-final since 1989.

Now a part of the Seattle Storm, she will develop her skills in a team going through a transition phase, and will have the chance to claim a starting five spot as the season progresses. Awa Fam Brand Endorsements The Seattle Storm rookie has already joined Project B and is an equity partner, as per her contract. In addition, Awa Fam frequently appears in public wearing Adidas and Puma apparel.

Although there is no public information about a potential brand collaboration, Puma typically signs overseas players to brand deals due to its preference. While endorsement deals will surely follow, Fam’s immediate challenge is translating her European success to the WNBA court and proving to the Seattle Storm that their top-three pick was a franchise-altering investment.