In a surprising twist for the 2025 WNBA Draft, Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles has decided to forgo entering the draft and will instead enter the NCAA transfer portal. This decision comes as a shock to many, as Miles was widely projected as the No. 2 pick following UConn's Paige Bueckers, who is expected to be the top selection. ESPN's Shams Charania broke the news on Monday, highlighting the evolving landscape of women's basketball and the financial considerations at play.
At just 22 years old, Miles has had a storied career at Notre Dame, where she played for four seasons and amassed impressive statistics. This past season, she averaged a career-high 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, showcasing her versatility as a 5-foot-10 guard. Her shooting improved dramatically, with her 3-point percentage climbing from 22.8% last season to an impressive 40.6% this year. These numbers helped solidify her status as one of the top guards in college basketball.
Despite her stellar performance, the Fighting Irish's season ended prematurely when they were eliminated in the Sweet 16 by TCU on March 29, 2025. In that game, Miles struggled, contributing only 10 points, which was part of a trend during the NCAA tournament where she averaged just 6.6 points over three games. After the loss, she expressed mixed feelings about her future, stating, "It just changes every day. I love college. I think I’ve outgrown it a little bit, though, so that makes my decision tougher to stay. It’s comfortable, a place where you have security. The W ... the volatility is up and down. So I don’t know. I’m deciding between a bunch of factors."
One significant factor influencing her decision could be the current financial landscape of women's basketball. With the WNBA Players Association opting out of the current collective bargaining agreement, there are speculations that the rookie pay scale will significantly increase in the upcoming seasons. Currently, lottery picks in the 2025 draft are expected to earn less than $80,000 in their first year, while future contracts could potentially start in the low six figures. Miles stands to gain considerably from waiting another year, as she could earn over $100,000 more by entering the draft in 2026.
Furthermore, the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities has made the prospect of staying in college more enticing. Miles has previously signed lucrative NIL deals with brands like Gatorade, CVS, and Celsius, suggesting she could continue to capitalize on her marketability while playing another season in college. This trend has been echoed by other top players, including UConn's Azzi Fudd, who also announced her decision to remain in college for another season.
As she enters the transfer portal, it remains unclear where Miles will land. While she has not officially declared her intention to leave Notre Dame, the move opens up possibilities for her to explore other programs that may offer a better fit or more competitive environment. Notre Dame, coming off a Sweet 16 appearance, will certainly miss her if she decides to transfer, as she was a key component of their success alongside fellow guards Hannah Hidalgo and Sonia Citron.
Throughout her career at Notre Dame, Miles has made a significant impact, becoming the first freshman in NCAA tournament history to record a triple-double. She achieved this remarkable feat during her first-round game against UMass, where she recorded 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Her ability to perform under pressure has been a hallmark of her career, and she has continued to build on that foundation over the years.
After suffering a season-ending knee injury in the 2022-23 season, Miles returned to the court this year and quickly made a statement by recording another triple-double in her first game back. She became the first player in ACC history to achieve consecutive triple-doubles, solidifying her legacy within the conference. With three triple-doubles this season, she led the nation and tied for seventh all-time in women's college basketball history.
Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey expressed her gratitude for Miles and her contributions to the program, stating, "They will always have a special place in my heart, because they believed in me when I took over this program. It just speaks to their loyalty, the vision that they were looking for, for the institution of their choice, being Notre Dame." This sentiment reflects the bond that has developed between Miles and the program during her tenure.
As the WNBA Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Miles as she navigates her options. Whether she decides to remain in college for another year or ultimately make the leap to professional basketball, her impact on the game is undeniable. With her talent and determination, she will likely remain a focal point in discussions surrounding the future of women's basketball.
The upcoming season will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment for Miles, as she weighs her options and considers the best path forward. Regardless of her choice, one thing is certain: Olivia Miles has left an indelible mark on Notre Dame and will continue to be a player to watch in the world of women's basketball.
