The star of Notre Dame women’s basketball will enter the transfer portal instead of the WNBA draft.

In a decision that has sent shockwaves through women’s college basketball, Notre Dame star Olivia Miles has chosen to forgo the upcoming WNBA Draft and instead enter the NCAA transfer portal. The move marks a significant turning point for one of the most electrifying guards in the game, as she now looks for a fresh start elsewhere in the college ranks rather than taking the next step into professional basketball. Miles, who has been the face of the Fighting Irish over the past few seasons, was widely expected to be a top pick in the draft, but she has instead opted for another year at the collegiate level.

Her decision raises a number of questions about her motivations and what this means for both her future and the landscape of women’s college basketball. While she has long been considered one of the top guards in the nation, various factors—including injury recovery, potential NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities, and the evolving nature of college basketball—may have played a role in her decision.

Miles has been a game-changing player since stepping onto the court for Notre Dame. Her ability to control the pace of the game, make pinpoint passes, and take over as a scorer made her one of the most feared point guards in the country. She has been a consistent leader for the Irish, leading them deep into the NCAA Tournament and keeping them in national championship conversations. Her decision to leave Notre Dame now, however, means the program must quickly pivot as it looks to the future without its star player.

One of the biggest factors that may have influenced Miles’ decision to stay in college another year is her health. She suffered a knee injury late in the 2023-24 season, forcing her to miss crucial games during the Fighting Irish’s NCAA Tournament run. While she has since recovered, entering the WNBA at less than full strength may not have been an appealing option. The WNBA is an incredibly competitive league with limited roster spots, and the transition from college to the pros can be physically demanding. By opting for another year in college, Miles will have the opportunity to fully recover, refine her game, and enter the draft in 2025 at 100% health.

Another important consideration is the impact of NIL opportunities, which have dramatically changed the college basketball landscape. Unlike in previous years, where top prospects were almost always eager to enter the WNBA for financial reasons, today’s elite college athletes have the ability to earn significant money through endorsements, sponsorships, and partnerships while still playing in the NCAA. Miles, as one of the most recognizable names in women’s college basketball, likely has lucrative NIL deals available to her, making another year in college financially viable.

With the WNBA’s limited number of teams and roster spots, many college stars have opted to delay their entry into the league to continue benefiting from NIL opportunities while also improving their draft stock. Players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have demonstrated how staying in college longer can enhance both earning potential and professional readiness, and Miles may be following a similar path.

The transfer portal adds another layer of intrigue to her decision. Rather than simply staying at Notre Dame for another year, Miles is choosing to seek a new program, a move that suggests she is looking for a better fit in terms of coaching, playing style, or championship potential. Several powerhouse programs will likely be in the mix for her, including South Carolina, LSU, UConn, and Stanford—all teams that consistently contend for national titles and could benefit from adding a player of Miles’ caliber.

For Notre Dame, losing Miles is a massive blow. The Fighting Irish have built their success around elite guard play, and Miles was the heartbeat of the team. Her ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates and control the flow of the game made her irreplaceable in many ways. Head coach Niele Ivey now faces the difficult task of filling the void left by her departure, likely turning to both recruiting and the transfer portal to rebuild the backcourt.

Wherever Miles lands, she will immediately elevate that program to championship contention. Her unique skill set—an elite combination of scoring, passing, and leadership—makes her a perfect fit for any team looking to win now. She has the ability to change the dynamic of an entire roster, and her presence alone will make her new team one of the most talked-about squads in the country.

Her decision also highlights the growing influence of player mobility in women’s college basketball. The days of players committing to one school and finishing their careers there are becoming increasingly rare, as the transfer portal allows athletes to explore new opportunities that best fit their goals. Whether it’s searching for a different coaching philosophy, a system that better showcases their strengths, or simply a new environment, players now have more control over their careers than ever before.

For the WNBA, Miles’ decision means that teams looking for a franchise-changing point guard will have to wait another year. She was expected to be a top pick, and her absence from the 2025 draft class could alter team strategies as they look for alternatives. However, when she does eventually make the leap, she will enter the league as an even more polished and prepared player, potentially boosting her draft stock and making her an even more coveted prospect.

Fans of women’s college basketball will benefit from her decision to stay in the NCAA for another year. With the sport gaining more attention than ever—both in terms of TV ratings and fan engagement—having star players like Miles remain in the college game adds to the excitement. Her presence will continue to draw viewers, generate media buzz, and contribute to the growing momentum of women’s basketball at the collegiate level.

The biggest question now is: Where will Olivia Miles play next? Her decision will have ripple effects across the sport, as teams that believe they are one player away from a championship will undoubtedly make strong pitches to land her. The battle for her commitment will be intense, and once she makes her choice, the national championship landscape will immediately shift.

Regardless of where she goes, one thing is certain—Miles will be a game-changer. She has already cemented herself as one of the best players in women’s college basketball, and her next move will only add to her legacy. Whether she is preparing for a deep tournament run with a new program, building her brand through NIL deals, or working to refine her game for the WNBA, she is setting herself up for long-term success.

For now, the basketball world will be watching and waiting to see where she lands. But no matter what, Olivia Miles’ impact on the game is undeniable, and her journey is far from over.