The women’s basketball star, Olivia Miles, surprised many by deciding to stay in college basketball instead of entering the WNBA draft this year. Miles, who joined TCU after transferring from Notre Dame for his final season, expressed that he prefers to observe the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement negotiations from afar.
After his junior season with the Fighting Irish ended in March, many expected Miles to declare for the draft. However, he opted to transfer and use his remaining season of eligibility at TCU. Miles is projected as number 2 in the 2026 WNBA draft. The player is aware of the negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, which must be signed before the league proceeds with the expansion draft, the lottery for the 2026 regular draft, and free agency. Although this will impact her future, for now she prefers to focus on the present.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
Miles has a lot to achieve in college. TCU is the preseason favorite in the Big 12, according to the league’s coaches. During her time 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 didn’t feel completely sure she would be ready for the WNBA, so she decided not to declare for 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 she wasn’t feeling mentally in good shape and that she still needed to be more consistent and disciplined, as well as improve physically. She didn’t feel ready. The player feels that being at TCU is the right thing, especially because of her playing style. Last season, the Horned Frogs had a successful season, 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. With the loss of four senior starters, TCU needed experience and talent, something Miles brings. Coach Mark Campbell’s program offers a pick-and-roll offensive system that will help Miles when he turns pro after this season.I left a lot on the table. 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
She will be the dominant player with the ball, and she will be used a lot; all our actions will revolve around her. She 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.
Coach Mark Campbell
