WNBA: Spain Makes Strong Statement in 2026 Draft with Awa Fam, Iyana Martín, and Marta Suárez

The 2026 WNBA Draft delivered a powerful moment for Spanish basketball: three players selected in the top 16 picks. Awa Fam, Iyana Martín, and Marta Suárez made an impact that puts Spain back in the spotlight for international talent, matching the number of selections from 2019 but significantly raising the bar in terms of draft position.

The qualitative leap was marked by Awa Fam. Her name appeared at number three in the Draft, a position never before reached by a Spanish player. The center enters territory previously reserved for historical references, matching the record achieved by Pau Gasol in 2001 in the NBA. Her selection not only breaks a barrier but confirms her projection as one of the major bets in international basketball.

Iyana Martín's selection also left its mark. Portland Fire, a franchise making its debut in the league, decided to build part of its future around the Asturian point guard with the seventh pick, the first in the team's history. Although her arrival will not be immediate, the organization has committed to securing her rights in a strategic move. The team's general manager, Vanja Cernivec, emphasized the player's profile as a differential talent, capable of leading and competing at the highest level despite her youth.

The most unexpected case of the night was Marta Suárez. Her selection at number 16 was already a significant step, but the twist came just minutes later when she was included in a trade that sent her to the Golden State Valkyries. The San Francisco franchise, in the midst of its construction process, adds another piece to its commitment to bringing international talent together in its league debut.