Olivia Miles prioritizes TCU over WNBA: CBA and preparation key

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 her final season, shared her reasons for this choice.

Observing the WNBA Landscape

Miles, 22, explained that the decision is based on the current situation of the WNBA, where important negotiations are taking place regarding the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). “The WNBA is sorting out its own affairs [with the CBA] while we watch,” Miles commented. “So, let them sort it out, and for another year, I will enjoy college basketball.” After his junior season with the Fighting Irish ended in March, many expected Miles to declare for the draft. However, he opted to transfer to TCU and use his final year of eligibility.

“Right now, it’s all opinions about what’s going to change,” Miles said about the CBA. “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

Focused on the university present

Miles has a lot to achieve in college basketball. TCU is the preseason favorite in the Big 12, according to the league’s coaches. Before arriving at TCU, 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. A knee injury prevented her from playing in 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 felt she wasn’t fully prepared for the WNBA, leading her to postpone her entry into the 2025 draft.

“There was a lot to leave on the table,” Miles said, adding with a smile: “My parents thought I was crazy. Everyone thought I was crazy. I hear comments like: ‘It doesn’t make sense. Why would she go back? Why did she go there?’

Olivia Miles

Miles highlights her need to improve physically and mentally. “I didn’t think I was ready. Being at TCU feels very 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.” Last season, the Horned Frogs had great success, with a 34-4 record and winning the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles before reaching the quarterfinals, unprecedented achievements for the program. Miles, named as the new Big 12 preseason player of the year, will bring experience and talent to the team. Coach Mark Campbell implements a pick-and-roll offensive system that will benefit Miles when she makes the jump to the pros after this season. “She is going to be the player who controls the ball, and she is going to be used a lot; all our actions will revolve around her,” Campbell said. “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.”