Olivia Miles forgoes WNBA Draft, Transfers to TCU for Final College Season

NEW YORK — Olivia Miles, the standout point guard for Notre Dame, shocked the sports world last week by announcing her decision to forgo the 2025 WNBA Draft and transfer to Texas Christian University (TCU) for another season of college basketball. The 22-year-old athlete had been projected as a top pick in the draft, with many anticipating that she would be selected as high as No. 2 overall.

After suffering a torn ACL that sidelined her for the entire 2023-24 season, Miles decided to take advantage of her extra year of eligibility. She entered the transfer portal following a fruitful four-year stint with the Fighting Irish, where she was recognized as an All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) player for three consecutive seasons.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to finish my college career at TCU, where I can further develop my skills and contribute to the team’s success,” said Miles in a statement. “I believe the decision to stay in college will allow me to grow as a player and prepare for the professional level more effectively.”

This decision comes amid a trend of high-profile college athletes opting to remain in school rather than make the leap to the professional league. Notable players like LSU’s Flau'jae Johnson and UCLA’s Lauren Betts have also chosen to stay in college. Their decisions bring into focus the evolving landscape of women’s basketball and the implications of potential changes stemming from the upcoming collective bargaining agreement (CBA) within the WNBA.

“With the new CBA expected to bring changes close to 2026, there was uncertainty about rookie contracts,” said Rachel Galligan, a women’s basketball analyst. “By returning to college, Olivia can avoid the risks associated with being locked into an early contract that might not align with her value as a player.”

In her final year at Notre Dame, Miles averaged an impressive 15.4 points per game and led the ACC with 5.8 assists. TCU recently concluded its most successful season in school history, finishing with a 34-3 record, but ended with a loss to Texas in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament.

“Having Miles join the team is a significant boost for us,” said TCU coach Raegan Pebley. “Her experience and skills will be incredibly valuable as we look to build off last season’s success.”

With TCU’s starting point guard, Hailey Van Lith, leaving for the WNBA, Miles is poised to step into the critical role for the 2025-26 season.

Meanwhile, another notable transfer news emerged from South Carolina as MiLaysia Fulwiley, a key player for the Gamecocks, announced her decision to leave the program. Fulwiley, who played a crucial bench role in South Carolina’s recent championship run, will now pursue opportunities at different institutions. “I feel grateful for my time here, and it’s an opportunity for me to seek out new challenges,” Fulwiley stated after the season.

As college basketball continues to evolve and athletes define their paths, the decisions of impactful players like Miles and Fulwiley will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of the sport.