Olivia Miles just made a move that no one saw coming. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish star, a projected top-two pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, has decided to forgo the league entirely for now.
Instead, Miles is entering the NCAA transfer portal and using her final year of eligibility. The decision sent shockwaves through women’s basketball, sparking a fiery debate among fans.
The NIL vs. WNBA Debate: Olivia Miles Chooses the Bag
For years, the dream for college hoopers has been clear: dominate the NCAA, get drafted, and make a name in the WNBA. But now that blueprint is looking a little outdated.
Miles, despite being one of the best prospects available, is staying in college for another year. ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news on his X account.
The news comes as a shock, but the fans think they know exactly why.
“She’d make more off NIL than the WNBA anyways,” one fan commented.
That statement isn’t wrong, either. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have completely changed the game.
Top-tier college players are raking in serious money — sometimes even more than they would as rookies in the WNBA. And with Miles opting out of the draft, it raises the question, is staying in college now the better financial move?
Women’s college basketball has never been hotter. Record-breaking viewership, flowing sponsorships, and now players like Miles are in a unique position to maximize their earnings. The WNBA, on the other hand, still struggles with salary caps and revenue issues.
Fans React to Miles’ Decision
The reaction to Miles’ decision has been nothing short of explosive. While some fans support her decision financially, others see it as a glaring problem for the WNBA.
“Wow. Women ballers find more value in staying in NCAA than going for WNBA. That’s a huge issue,” one fan tweeted.
And they’re not wrong. If top players like Miles would rather stay in school than go pro, what does that say about the state of the WNBA?
Another fan added, “NIL she getting would be more than what the W can give her… it’s that simple 🤷🏾♂️.”
The numbers back it up. WNBA rookies don’t make nearly as much as their NBA counterparts, and endorsement opportunities can be limited compared to the massive branding push that college stars receive.
For WNBA teams that had Miles locked in as a top pick, this changes everything. Now, franchises will have to shift their focus to other prospects while waiting to see where Miles lands for her final college season.
Wherever Miles goes, one thing’s for sure — she’s about to secure the bag.