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WNBA Rookie Awa Fam's Contract Suspended as She Joins Spain for FIBA World Cup
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- WNBA Rookie Awa Fam's Contract Suspended as She Joins Spain for FIBA World Cup
The Seattle Storm has temporarily suspended rookie Awa Fam's contract as she travels to Germany to play in the FIBA World Cup.
On Thursday, the Storm announced the temporary suspension of Fam's contract with the team, as she gears up for the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany.
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Due to this development, Fam will miss Seattle's regular-season home game against the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday.
The 6-foot-4 center played in 33 games for Seattle this season and had 22 starts. She averaged 10.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists in those games in 27.6 minutes of play.
Fam will suit up for Spain's national team alongside WNBA players Megan Gustafson of the Portland Fire , Maria Conde of the Toronto Tempo and Alicia Florez of the Washington Mystics .
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Although the Storm is officially eliminated from the playoffs with their league-worst record of 8-31, they can temporarily sign players to fill out the spot Fam left on the team.
Awa Fam Thiam poses for a photo on the orange carpet before the 2026 WNBA Draft.Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Before her rookie season in the league, Fam suited up for Spain in the World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico last March.
During the tournament, she averaged 8.4 points and 4.2 rebounds in five games to help her national team win three games.
Spain is in Group A at the World Cup with Japan, Mali and hosts Germany.
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The World Cup is scheduled for Sept. 4 to 13, and Fam is expected to rejoin the Storm after the tournament. Seattle will then reinstate her WNBA contract upon her return.
Related: Phoenix Mercury 'Temporarily Suspend' Player's Contract After DeWanna Bonner Decision
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
