The projected No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming WNBA draft has made a pair of unprecedented decisions after a standout college season.
Notre Dame standout Olivia Miles will reportedly forego the WNBA draft to play out her final year of college eligibility. According to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, Miles will also be entering the transfer portal.
Notre Dame's Olivia Miles – the projected No. 2 pick in the WNBA draft this month – will forgo the draft and enter NCAA's transfer portal, sources tell ESPN. The 22-year-old top prospect makes unprecedented decision to use her one year remaining of college instead of the draft. pic.twitter.com/NaODcCzc38
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 1, 2025
The move is unprecedented for two reasons. The first is her decision to turn down becoming a likely top-2 selection in the upcoming draft. The second is her planned transfer out of Notre Dame after leading the Fighting Irish to a Sweet 16 appearance.
Several factors may have played into Miles’ decision. Her status as the most highly coveted transfer target gives her a chance to make bank off potential NIL deals from the highest-bidding school. Another factor is the fact that the WNBA’s existing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is set to expire following the 2025 season.
The incoming 2025 WNBA draft class will still earn based on the current CBA terms. The rookies coming in 2026 are likely to benefit from the players getting a greater cut in revenue, which is what several WNBA stars are have been lobbying for over the years.
The 22-year-old guard’s decision to delay her WNBA career gives her a chance to become the top overall pick when the shiny, new CBA kicks in for the league.
Miles had her best year yet during the 2024-25 campaign. In 34 games, she averaged 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and an ACC-best 5.8 assists. She also improved tremendously from the three-point line. After being a sub-30% shooter before this season, she shot over 40% from distance on five attempts.
