Olivia Miles Postpones Jump to WNBA: Prioritizes TCU and CBA

Olivia Miles Prioritizes Her Collegiate Future Amid WNBA Negotiations

The talented basketball player, Olivia Miles, has surprised many by deciding to stay in college basketball instead of making the jump to the WNBA, where she was projected as a lottery pick. Miles, who joined TCU after his time at Notre Dame, explained that he prefers to observe the WNBA’s collective bargaining negotiations from a distance for the time being.

“The WNBA is handling its own business [with the CBA] while we watch,” Miles said.

Olivia Miles

After his junior season with the Fighting Irish ended in March, many expected Miles to declare for the draft. Instead, he chose to transfer and use his remaining season of eligibility at TCU. Miles is projected as the second pick in the 2026 WNBA mock draft. The player is aware of the importance of negotiations for a new collective agreement, which will influence her future. However, for now, she prefers to focus on her present.

“For now, I’m just prioritizing what’s in front of me. I’ll start thinking about everything else later,” Miles stated.

Olivia Miles

In the university setting, Miles has a lot to achieve. TCU is the favorite in the Big 12, according to the league’s coaches. Miles was three times selected for the first All-ACC team at Notre Dame, where she 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. Although she averaged 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists last season for the Irish, she didn’t feel completely ready for the WNBA, which led her to postpone her participation in the 2025 draft.

“There was a lot I was leaving on the table,” Miles commented, adding with a smile: “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?'”

Olivia Miles

The Horned Frogs’ basketball team had an outstanding season in 2024-2025, with a 34-4 record, winning the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles before reaching the Elite Eight, historic achievements for the program. Miles, considered the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, brings experience and talent. Coach Mark Campbell has designed an offensive system that will benefit Miles when she turns professional after this season.

“She is going to be the dominant player with the ball, and she will be used a lot; all our actions will revolve around her,” Campbell said. “I wanted to use this year to really get her mind in order and prepare for the pros. And she has behaved like a professional from day one.”

Mark Campbell