Olivia Miles prefers to wait for the WNBA: CBA and her future in basketball

Olivia Miles Prioritizes University over WNBA

The talented basketball player, Olivia Miles, has surprised many by deciding to stay in college instead of making the jump to the WNBA, where she was expected to be a lottery pick in the draft. The point guard, who now plays for TCU, shared her reasons for making this decision, focusing on her personal development and the current context of the women’s league. Miles, who joined TCU after his time at Notre Dame, explained that the current situation of the WNBA, with ongoing negotiations on the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), influenced his choice. He prefers to observe this process from a distance and focus on his final college year.

The WNBA is handling its own business [with the CBA] while we watch. So, let them sort it out, and for one more year, I’ll enjoy college.

Olivia Miles

After Notre Dame’s elimination in the Sweet 16, many anticipated that Miles would declare for the draft. However, he opted to transfer to TCU, where he is expected to make a significant impact. In ESPN’s most recent 2026 mock draft, Miles is projected as the second pick. The player is aware of the changes coming to the WNBA, including player movements and the expansion of the league. For now, she prefers to focus on her performance on the college court.

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 has a lot to achieve in college. TCU is the preseason favorite in the Big 12, according to the league’s coaches. At Notre Dame, she was a three-time All-ACC first team selection, averaging 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 101 games. A knee injury prevented her from playing the 2022-2023 postseason and the entire 2023-2024 season. Despite averaging 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists last season for the Irish, Miles didn’t feel completely prepared for the WNBA, so she decided to postpone her entry into the 2025 draft.

[The lottery potential] was too much to leave 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

Miles expressed that he still needed to improve his consistency and discipline, as well as his physical condition. He considers that being at TCU is an ideal opportunity, especially because of their style of play. Coach Mark Campbell highlights that Miles will act as a professional from day one and will be the key piece in the team’s attack. The Horned Frogs had a successful 2024-2025 season, with a 34-4 record and winning the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles, reaching the Elite Eight for the first time in program history. TCU lost four senior starters and needed experience and talent. Miles, the newcomer of the year in the Big 12, brings that, and coach Mark Campbell’s program offers a pick-and-roll offensive system that will help Miles when she goes pro after this season.