Olivia Miles, Prodigy from Notre Dame and Top WNBA Prospect, to Enter NCAA Transfer Portal Instead of Declaring for Draft

Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles was expected to be a top pick in the WNBA Draft, likely going second overall. But in a surprising twist, she has decided not to enter the draft. Instead, she is stepping into the NCAA transfer portal.

Miles, 22, has spent four seasons at Notre Dame and still has one year of NCAA eligibility left. The reasons behind her choice aren’t fully clear, but the growing appeal of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities may have influenced her decision. In recent years, NIL deals have changed the game for college athletes, allowing them to earn money while maintaining their college status. This can sometimes be more lucrative than the initial salaries offered in the WNBA.

This news means that the Seattle Storm, who hold the second pick in the upcoming draft, will need to adjust their plans. Instead of drafting Miles, teams will now have to look elsewhere for talent.

On the court, Miles had a standout season. At 5-foot-10, she averaged 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals, all while shooting 48.3% from the field and 40.6% from beyond the arc. Her contributions helped Notre Dame finish at the top of the ACC alongside NC State and secure a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament. Unfortunately, the team’s journey ended in the Sweet 16 against TCU.

Choosing to enter the transfer portal doesn’t guarantee that Miles will leave Notre Dame. If she transfers, it would mark a significant change for her, as she would be leaving a program consistently vying for national championships.

This decision has sparked conversations online, with fans and analysts expressing mixed feelings. Some understand her desire for more NIL opportunities, while others are disappointed to see a promising player step away from the WNBA.

In the ever-evolving landscape of college sports, athletes like Miles are making personal choices that reflect broader trends in the industry. For more insights on the impact of NIL on college athletics, you can read more from ESPN’s detailed coverage.

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Notre Dame, Olivia Miles, WNBA, NCAA transfer portal, WNBA Draft, Shams Charania, Seattle Storm