Olivia Miles Prioritizes Her Collegiate Future Over the WNBA
The talented basketball player, Olivia Miles, surprised many by deciding to stay in college basketball instead of entering the WNBA draft this year. Miles, who transferred to TCU for her final season, has chosen to observe the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement negotiations from afar.
The WNBA is handling its own business [with the CBA] while we watch,” Miles said. “So, let them figure it out, and for one more year, I’ll enjoy college basketball.
After TCU eliminated Notre Dame in the Sweet 16 in March, many expected Miles to declare for the draft. Instead, he chose to transfer and use his remaining season of eligibility at TCU. He is currently projected to be number 2 in the 2026 WNBA draft.
Miles acknowledges that there is a lot at stake with the negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, which must be signed before the league moves forward with the expansion draft, the lottery for the 2026 regular draft, and free agency. All of that will have an impact on Miles’ future, but for now he puts it aside.
Miles has a lot to achieve in college basketball. TCU is the preseason favorite in the Big 12, according to the league’s coaches. Miles was a three-time All-ACC first team selection at Notre Dame, where he averaged 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 101 games.
She missed the 2022-2023 postseason and the entire 2023-2024 season due to a knee injury. Miles said that, despite averaging 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists last season for the Irish, she still wasn’t 100% sure of her readiness for the WNBA. Therefore, she avoided the 2025 draft.
Miles admitted that the decision to return to university was seen as unusual. “My parents thought I was crazy. Everyone thought I was crazy. I still hear comments like: ‘It doesn’t make sense. Why would she go back? Why did she go there?'”, added Miles.
Miles explained that she still needed to improve mentally and physically. “I didn’t think I was ready. Being at TCU feels so aligned; I couldn’t pass up the opportunity, especially with their style of play. Why not stay in college? The pros will still be there,” she stated.
The Horned Frogs had a successful 2024-2025 season, with a 34-4 record and winning the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles before reaching the quarterfinals, all unprecedented achievements for the program.
TCU lost four senior starters and needed an injection of experience and talent. Miles, the preseason Big 12 newcomer, provides that, and coach Mark Campbell’s program offers a pick-and-roll offensive system that will help Miles when she turns pro after this season.
Campbell commented on Miles’ role on the team: “She is going to be the dominant player with the ball, and she is going to have the usage; all our actions will revolve around her. I wanted to use this year to really, really clear her mind and prepare for the pros. And she has acted like a professional from day one.”
