Olivia Miles, a star at Notre Dame, joins the transfer portal and declines the 2025 WNBA draft.
Notre Dame standout Olivia Miles has made a stunning decision regarding her basketball future, opting to enter the NCAA transfer portal instead of declaring for the 2025 WNBA Draft. The move signals a major shift for one of college basketball’s brightest stars and has sparked widespread speculation about where she might land next. Miles, known for her electrifying playmaking, court vision, and leadership, was widely expected to be a top prospect in the upcoming draft. However, by choosing to transfer instead, she has set the stage for a new chapter in her collegiate career.
Miles has been the heart and soul of the Notre Dame women’s basketball team since arriving in South Bend. A dynamic point guard with an elite feel for the game, she has consistently been one of the most exciting players to watch in the NCAA. Her ability to control the tempo, make impossible passes look effortless, and score when needed made her a nightmare for opposing defenses. She was instrumental in Notre Dame’s deep tournament runs and established herself as one of the best guards in the country.
Her decision to enter the transfer portal rather than declare for the WNBA Draft is a significant one, raising questions about her long-term career plans and what led to this choice. Given her immense talent, Miles would have been a high pick in the 2025 draft, with WNBA teams eager to add her skill set to their rosters. However, various factors—including injury concerns, NIL opportunities, and potential interest in a new collegiate system—may have influenced her to remain at the NCAA level for another year.
One of the biggest considerations could be her health. Miles suffered a knee injury that sidelined her during a crucial stretch of Notre Dame’s season, and while she made a strong recovery, she may see another year in college as an opportunity to ensure she is at full strength before making the leap to the professional level. The WNBA is a physically demanding league, and entering fully healthy could improve her longevity and effectiveness once she transitions to the next level.
Another key factor could be the growing influence of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities in college athletics. Unlike previous generations of players, today’s top collegiate athletes have the ability to earn significant financial benefits through endorsements, sponsorships, and partnerships while still playing at the NCAA level. By transferring to a new program, Miles may be positioning herself for better NIL deals that could rival, or even exceed, the rookie contracts available in the WNBA. This shift in college athletics has changed how players weigh their options, making staying in school for an extra year an attractive option for elite prospects.
The transfer portal has also given players unprecedented flexibility to find the best fit for their skills and aspirations. While Notre Dame has been a powerhouse program, Miles may see an opportunity to join another team with a stronger championship pedigree, a playing style that better suits her strengths, or a coaching staff that can help elevate her game even further. Programs like UConn, LSU, South Carolina, and Stanford are all potential landing spots, as each offers a combination of elite coaching, national exposure, and deep tournament aspirations.
Her departure is undoubtedly a massive loss for Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish have built their program around elite guard play, and Miles was the centerpiece of their recent success. Head coach Niele Ivey now faces the challenge of reshaping the roster without her star point guard, a task that will not be easy given Miles’ unique skill set. Notre Dame will likely turn to the transfer portal themselves to try to replace her production, but few players in the country can match what she brought to the team.
For Miles, wherever she ends up, the expectations will be sky-high. She is one of the most gifted guards in the country, with the ability to instantly transform any team into a championship contender. Her leadership, playmaking, and ability to take over in crunch time make her a dream acquisition for any coach looking to win now.
One of the most intriguing aspects of her transfer will be seeing how she adapts to a new system. At Notre Dame, she was given the freedom to control the offense and dictate the pace of the game. If she joins a team with an already established superstar or a different offensive philosophy, it will be interesting to see how she adjusts her game. However, given her basketball IQ and versatility, there is little doubt that she will thrive no matter where she goes.
From a broader perspective, Miles’ decision highlights the changing landscape of women’s college basketball. With NIL, increased player mobility through the transfer portal, and more attention than ever on the women’s game, top players now have more options and leverage than ever before. Unlike previous eras where the WNBA was the clear next step for elite talent, today’s stars can take their time, maximize their earning potential in college, and ensure they are fully prepared before making the leap to the professional ranks.
Miles’ decision also adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming NCAA season. Wherever she lands, she will immediately become one of the biggest stories in college basketball, and her presence will have a major impact on the national championship race. Fans, analysts, and opposing coaches will all be watching closely to see where she chooses to continue her career, as her decision could shift the balance of power in the NCAA.
While the WNBA will have to wait a little longer to see Miles at the professional level, her decision to remain in college for another year ensures that women’s college basketball will continue to benefit from her star power. The sport has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with rising TV ratings, increased fan engagement, and more opportunities for players. Having a star like Miles remain in the NCAA for another season will only add to that momentum, bringing more excitement and attention to the women’s game.
As she prepares to make her decision, the basketball world will be watching closely. Wherever she ends up, Olivia Miles will continue to be a game-changer, and her journey is far from over. She has already established herself as one of the best players in college basketball, and her next move will only further cement her legacy. Whether it’s competing for a national championship, developing her game for the WNBA, or making an impact off the court through NIL opportunities, one thing is certain—Miles is in complete control of her future, and she’s making the most of every opportunity.
Her decision to enter the transfer portal instead of the draft is a bold one, but it could ultimately be the best move for her career. By taking another year to refine her game, fully recover from injury, and explore new opportunities, she is setting herself up for long-term success. The WNBA will still be there when she’s ready, and when she finally makes the leap, she will arrive as an even more polished and prepared player.
For now, the biggest question remains—where will Olivia Miles go next? The answer to that will shape the landscape of women’s college basketball for the 2024-25 season, and her decision will be one of the most anticipated moves of the offseason. No matter where she lands, one thing is certain: Olivia Miles is still one of the most exciting and impactful players in the game today, and her journey is far from over.