Olivia Miles Prioritizes Her Collegiate Future Over the WNBA
TCU’s talented point guard, Olivia Miles, surprised many by deciding to stay in college basketball instead of entering the WNBA draft this year. Miles, who transferred from Notre Dame for her final season, has chosen to observe the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement negotiations from afar.After Miles’ season with Notre Dame ended in March, many expected him 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 the importance of 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. Although all of this will impact his future, for now he prefers to focus on the present.The WNBA is sorting out its own affairs [with the CBA] while we watch. So, let them sort it out, and for one more year, I will enjoy college.
Olivia Miles
Miles has a lot to achieve in college basketball. TCU is the preseason favorite in the Big 12, according to the league’s coaches. At Notre Dame, Miles was a three-time All-ACC first team selection, averaging 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. Although she averaged 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists last season for the Irish, she still didn’t feel completely confident in her preparation for the WNBA. Therefore, she decided not to participate in the 2025 draft.Right now, it’s all opinions about what’s going to change. We hear there will be a lot of player movement and the league will look different next season. So, for now, I’m just prioritizing what’s in front of me. I’ll start thinking about everything else later.
Olivia Miles
Miles added that mentally he didn’t feel in the best shape. Although he had a great season last year, he wanted to be more consistent, disciplined, and in better physical shape. The opportunity at TCU feels aligned with his goals, especially with their style of play. He believes that professional opportunities will continue to be available. The Horned Frogs had a standout season in 2024-2025, with a 34-4 record and winning the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles before reaching the Elite Eight, historic achievements for the program. The arrival of Miles, named as the Big 12 preseason player of the year, brings experience and talent. Coach Mark Campbell’s program offers a pick-and-roll offensive system that will benefit Miles when she turns professional after this season.There was a lot I was leaving on the table. My parents thought I was crazy. Everyone thought I was crazy. In fact, I still hear comments like: ‘It doesn’t make sense. Why would she go back? Why did she go there?’
Olivia Miles
She is going to be the dominant player with the ball and is going to be used a lot; all our actions will revolve around her. She wanted to use this year to really, really get her mind in order and prepare for the pros. And she has behaved like a professional from day one.
Mark Campbell
