Olivia Miles, a prominent name in women’s college basketball, is making headlines again. But this time, it’s not for redefining what we expect from athletes on the court; it’s for a surprising decision regarding her future. Rather than returning to Notre Dame or jumping straight into the professional world by declaring for the 2025 WNBA Draft, Miles has opted to enter the transfer portal. This move, first reported by ESPN, leaves many basketball fans and analysts pondering her next steps.
In the ever-changing landscape of women’s basketball, Miles’ choice further diminishes the talent pool for the upcoming WNBA draft. Not long before her announcement, UConn standout Azzi Fudd made a similar decision to remain in college for another year. Both athletes’ choices underscore the current financial complexities within women’s college sports and professional leagues.
Why might Miles choose to stay in school rather than stepping into the professional arena where she’s projected as a top five draft pick? For one, she has her sights set on capitalizing on potential economic changes on the horizon. With the upcoming renegotiation of the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA), players can expect changes to rookie payout structures that may significantly impact their earnings. By furthering her college career, Miles could see a more lucrative contract in the near future—one that better reflects the growth of women’s sports and the increasing visibility of female athletes.
Additionally, let’s not overlook the potential financial windfall from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. After all, Miles is no stranger to NIL agreements, having partnered with brands like Gatorade, CVS, and Celsius already. As she explores her transfer options, she stands to negotiate new deals that could significantly enhance her earnings while still in school.
This season, Miles’ performance has made her a standout, averaging an impressive 15.4 points per game. However, after Notre Dame’s heart-wrenching loss to TCU in the Sweet 16, she expressed the emotional turmoil surrounding her future. “It just changes every day,” she shared with reporters, showcasing the whirlwind of thoughts that come with such a pivotal life decision. The allure of college— a familiar environment that offers a sense of security— weighs heavily against the potential leap into professional sports.
Interestingly, her circumstances mirror broader developments in collegiate athletics. With changes coming in terms of revenue-sharing from the House v. NCAA case and evolving NIL opportunities, it is entirely possible that Miles could earn more in college than she would in her first year in the WNBA under the current wage scale. Next season, the financial landscape may favor staying in NCAA—providing her the chance to enhance her brand and skills further while also building a budding financial portfolio.
It’s essential to note that this final year qualifies players under the existing rookie wage scale, which has been in place since the last CBA in 2020. As of now, lottery picks can expect to earn just under $80,000 in their first season, a stark contrast to what could be a low six-figure salary under the new CBA expected to roll out before the 2026 season.
One can’t help but get a little excited at the prospect of what comes next. Several WNBA mock drafts already list Miles as a possible No. 2 pick, only behind UConn’s Paige Bueckers—who is projected to go first. But for now, Olivia Miles is taking the road less traveled, looking to make the most of her skills, her college experience, and the opportunities that lie ahead. It’s a journey that so many young athletes can relate to, navigating both the thrill and trepidation of what’s next—all while shaped by market forces, personal aspirations, and the changing tides of women’s sports.
Image Source: Olivia Miles @ Instagram
