WNBA Draft Shakeup: Olivia Miles Enters Transfer Portal, Eyes Future CBA
Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles, projected as a top-three pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, has dramatically altered her trajectory by entering the transfer portal to extend her college career. This move underscores the growing power of player agency and financial considerations in women’s basketball, as Miles eyes potential benefits from the WNBA’s upcoming collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.
Top Prospect Delays WNBA entry
Miles’ decision to forgo the 2025 WNBA Draft, despite being highly regarded by talent evaluators and considered a “safe pick” after UConn’s Paige Bueckers, signals a strategic move to maximize her earning potential and ensure physical readiness after recovering from an ACL injury that sidelined her in the 2023-24 season.
Financial Windfall on the Horizon
The WNBA is currently in negotiations for a new CBA that could potentially triple player salaries. By delaying her entry into the league untill 2026,Miles could earn considerably more then the roughly $350,000 she would receive under a standard four-year rookie contract. Agents are reportedly advising eligible college players to capitalize on the anticipated financial gains from the new CBA.
NIL Opportunities Before NCAA Changes
Miles’ transfer decision also allows her to capitalize on NIL deals before potential restrictions imposed by the NCAA following the House v.NCAA lawsuit. As a two-time All-American, she is poised to secure lucrative sponsorships from collectives, further increasing her income while in college.
Health and Advancement are Key Factors
Despite positive assessments from WNBA executives, Miles has acknowledged she is not yet at her peak physical condition post-injury, stating she is “not even 75 percent of the way there yet.” The decision to delay her WNBA entry reflects a focus on regaining full strength and confidence before competing against seasoned professionals. Azzi Fudd made a similar assessment, opting out of the 2025 draft to return to UConn.
Unfinished business in College
Beyond financial and health considerations, Miles aims to achieve more at the collegiate level. With Notre Dame falling short of their championship aspirations, she seeks an opportunity where she can be the primary point guard on a team with ample talent.Other notable players, such as Flau’jae Johnson and Ta’Niya Latson, have also prioritized college success over immediate WNBA entry, driven by similar desires for team accolades and postseason experience.
NCAA tournament Allure
The prestige and excitement of the NCAA Tournament remain a significant draw for players. Both Miles and Latson have experienced limited postseason success due to injuries, further motivating their decisions to extend their college careers. JuJu Watkins will face a similar decision in 2027 regarding a potential fifth year to regain lost tournament time.
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WNBA Draft Shakeup: Olivia Miles Enters Transfer portal, Eyes Future CBA
Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles, projected as a top-three pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, has dramatically altered her trajectory by entering the transfer portal to extend her college career. This move underscores the growing power of player agency and financial considerations in women’s basketball, as Miles eyes potential benefits from the WNBA’s upcoming collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.
top Prospect Delays WNBA entry
Miles’ decision to forgo the 2025 WNBA Draft, despite being highly regarded by talent evaluators and considered a “safe pick” after uconn’s Paige Bueckers, signals a strategic move to maximize her earning potential and ensure physical readiness after recovering from an ACL injury that sidelined her in the 2023-24 season.
Financial Windfall on the Horizon
The WNBA is currently in negotiations for a new CBA that could potentially triple player salaries. By delaying her entry into the league untill 2026,Miles could earn considerably more then the roughly $350,000 she would receive under a standard four-year rookie contract. Agents are reportedly advising eligible college players to capitalize on the anticipated financial gains from the new CBA.
NIL Opportunities Before NCAA Changes
Miles’ transfer decision also allows her to capitalize on NIL deals before potential restrictions imposed by the NCAA following the House v.NCAA lawsuit. As a two-time all-American, she is poised to secure lucrative sponsorships from collectives, further increasing her income while in college.
Health and Advancement are Key Factors
Despite positive assessments from WNBA executives, Miles has acknowledged she is not yet at her peak physical condition post-injury, stating she is “not even 75 percent of the way there yet.” The decision to delay her WNBA entry reflects a focus on regaining full strength and confidence before competing against seasoned professionals. Azzi Fudd made a similar assessment, opting out of the 2025 draft to return to UConn.
Unfinished business in College
Beyond financial and health considerations, Miles aims to achieve more at the collegiate level. Wiht Notre Dame falling short of their championship aspirations, she seeks an prospect where she can be the primary point guard on a team with ample talent.Other notable players, such as Flau’jae Johnson and Ta’Niya Latson, have also prioritized college success over immediate WNBA entry, driven by similar desires for team accolades and postseason experience.
NCAA tournament Allure
The prestige and excitement of the NCAA Tournament remain a critically important draw for players.both Miles and Latson have experienced limited postseason success due to injuries, further motivating their decisions to extend their college careers. JuJu Watkins will face a similar decision in 2027 regarding a potential fifth year to regain lost tournament time.
Olivia Miles: Q&A
Olivia Miles’ decision showcases a pivotal shift in women’s basketball, where player empowerment, financial opportunities, and personal development are taking center stage. Stay tuned to see where she lands and how the new WNBA CBA shapes the future of the league!
