In an unexpected turn of events, star point guard Olivia Miles has announced that she will bypass the 2025 WNBA Draft and enter the NCAA transfer portal. This decision has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, as the young guard had been one of the most anticipated prospects for this year’s WNBA draft class. Miles’ decision to forgo turning pro and instead explore other college opportunities has left fans, analysts, and coaches stunned — and it could alter the balance of power in both college and professional basketball.

 

 

 

A Star on the Rise: Olivia Miles’ Journey So Far

Olivia Miles, a dynamic and electric point guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has been a force to be reckoned with in college basketball since her debut. Widely regarded as one of the top young talents in the NCAA, Miles has been lauded for her exceptional vision, playmaking ability, and leadership on the court. Her ability to orchestrate the offense, set up teammates, and push the pace made her one of the most exciting players in the country.

 

 

In just her two seasons at Notre Dame, Miles quickly became one of the best point guards in college basketball. Her accolades include multiple All-American honors, ACC Player of the Year consideration, and leading her team deep into the NCAA Tournament. Many expected her to declare for the 2025 WNBA Draft and make the leap to the pros, where she was projected to be a top pick due to her all-around game and basketball IQ.

 

 

 

But in a surprising twist, Miles has opted not to enter the draft and instead announced her decision to enter the transfer portal, leaving her future uncertain. The news has sent shockwaves through the basketball community, especially given her immense potential and the fact that she was widely considered a future WNBA star.

 

 

What Does This Mean for Miles’ Future?

So why would one of the brightest young stars in college basketball decide to skip the WNBA Draft and enter the transfer portal instead? While the exact reasons behind her decision remain unclear, there are several possible factors at play.

 

 

 

First and foremost, it’s important to remember that Miles is still only a sophomore, which means she has the option to return for another season of college basketball if she so desires. By entering the transfer portal, Miles opens up the opportunity to explore a fresh start with another program, possibly one that aligns more closely with her future goals or offers a better pathway to the pros. It’s possible that Miles feels there is still unfinished business at the college level, such as winning a national championship or further developing her game before making the jump to the WNBA.

 

 

Another potential factor is the changing landscape of college basketball, particularly with the increasing importance of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals. As one of the biggest stars in the NCAA, Miles could be in a position to capitalize on lucrative endorsement opportunities. Transferring to a program with more visibility or a stronger brand could offer her more opportunities to build her personal brand, which might be more appealing than heading straight to the pros.

 

 

 

 

Additionally, Miles may feel that another year of college basketball will better prepare her for the WNBA, where she will face more competition and higher expectations. By continuing to refine her skills, increase her leadership ability, and guide her new team to success, Miles could enhance her draft stock and position herself for a more successful pro career when the time comes.

 

 

The Impact on Notre Dame and the NCAA Landscape

Olivia Miles’ decision to leave Notre Dame, even temporarily, has massive implications for the Fighting Irish. Head coach Niele Ivey, who has done a remarkable job leading Notre Dame to the top of women’s college basketball, will now have to adjust to the loss of one of her team’s most important players.

 

 

 

 

Without Miles, Notre Dame will lose its primary ball handler, floor general, and a player who could dominate games with her vision and passing. Her absence will be felt in both the offensive and defensive schemes. The Fighting Irish will now need to lean on other key players like Maddy Westbeld and Sonia Citron to step up in leadership roles and shoulder the offensive load.

 

 

Moreover, Notre Dame will also have to recalibrate its recruiting strategy, as the team now faces a significant hole at point guard. The transfer portal is an option, but finding a replacement of Miles’ caliber will be no easy task. The Irish have built their program around her and will need to figure out how to remain competitive without their star.

 

 

On a broader scale, Miles’ move is a reminder of the shifting dynamics in women’s college basketball. With NIL deals becoming an integral part of the collegiate experience, athletes like Miles are able to make career decisions that weren’t possible just a few years ago. The balance between pursuing professional aspirations and capitalizing on NIL opportunities while still in college will continue to evolve, and Miles’ decision is likely to spark a wave of similar moves in the coming years.

 

 

What’s Next for Olivia Miles?

Now that Miles has entered the transfer portal, the world will be watching closely to see where she lands. There are numerous programs that would love to add a player of her caliber, and the possibilities are endless. Some speculate that she could look to join a powerhouse program with championship aspirations, while others believe she might seek a more fitting environment to continue her personal development.

 

 

 

Teams like the South Carolina Gamecocks, Stanford Cardinal, and UConn Huskies are among the top contenders that could be in the mix. These programs have the resources, history, and competitive environments that could allow Miles to thrive while preparing for a future in the WNBA. However, the decision will likely come down to what Miles feels is the best fit for her as she continues to develop both as a player and as a brand.

 

 

The WNBA Draft Picture: What Does This Mean for the 2025 Class?

Miles’ decision not to declare for the 2025 WNBA Draft has a significant impact on the landscape of the draft. With one of the most talented prospects now out of the pool, other players in the class will move up the draft board.

 

 

 

Top players like Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, and Diamond Miller are already expected to be high picks, but without Miles in the mix, it’s possible that other rising stars could now receive more attention from WNBA scouts and teams. The 2025 draft will now likely be a more wide-open affair, and teams will have to adjust their strategies accordingly.

 

 

A New Era in College Basketball?

Olivia Miles’ decision to forgo the WNBA Draft and enter the transfer portal is more than just a personal choice — it’s a signal of the evolving nature of college athletics in the NIL era. While her decision has raised many questions about her future, it also underscores the increasing power and flexibility that college athletes now have in shaping their careers.

 

 

For Olivia Miles, this could be the beginning of a new chapter, one that involves more than just basketball — it’s about creating a brand, seizing opportunities, and positioning herself for success in both the college game and beyond. As the next step in her journey unfolds, one thing is certain: Miles will continue to be a player to watch, whether she’s on the court or off it.

 

The college basketball world is changing, and with players like Olivia Miles leading the way, the future of women’s sports is brighter than ever.