TCU basketball star Olivia Miles opted to stay in college instead of entering the 2025 WNBA Draft, and her decision has paid off significantly
Olivia Miles is expected to be one of the top picks in the 2026 WNBA Draft(Image: Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Olivia Miles has silenced her critics after choosing not to enter the 2025 WNBA Draft.
The TCU standout surprised supporters by leaving Notre Dame, and rather than declaring for the draft, she decided to spend another year competing at the collegiate level. Many wondered why the 23-year-old would continue her college career, given she was projected as one of the leading prospects that year.
Yet, with the WNBA and its athletes reaching agreement on a new CBA, her decision to remain another season and suit up for the Horned Frogs has proven beneficial in multiple aspects.
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Discussing the WNBA’s new CBA and its implications as she prepares for the 2026 draft, she enthusiastically stated, “It means money, thankfully,” eliciting chuckles from reporters present. Miles additionally expressed hope that athletes will show greater willingness to remain stateside following the approval of the new CBA.
“And it’s just a win for women,” the TCU athlete added, viewing it as an initial milestone toward appropriate compensation for female players. “And it’s a precedent set. And moving forward, it’ll only get better. It’ll only grow. And it means that women’s basketball, women’s sports in general, is headed in the right place.”
Olivia Miles’ decision to remain in college paid dividends after the WNBA’s new CBA was ratified(Image: Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
It’s evident that by delaying her entry by one year, Miles will secure a substantially larger salary upon joining the league. Based on her draft position, the prospect could command anything from $500,000 (No. 1 selection) to $309,622 (No. 8), per Yahoo! Sports. Should Miles fall to the No. 9 through 15 range in the first round, she stands to make $289,133. This represents a substantial increase compared to what previous draft picks, including Caitlin Clark, earned in their debut season.
When Clark was selected No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 draft, her earnings fell short of $80,000 despite being the top selection. However, the new CBA will have a positive impact on Clark and other players’ salaries going forward.
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The Fever star is now projected to make over $500,000 under the new CBA, and her All-WNBA team selection makes her eligible for the maximum salary in the fourth year of her rookie deal in 2027. The league-wide average salary is projected to reach $583,000 this season.
Beyond the financial benefits, Miles explained that remaining in college for an additional year gave her the opportunity to mature as an individual, athlete, and leader.
“To leave what I left on the table seemed stupid and seemed like ‘What is she doing?'” the 23-year-old said. “But I knew deep in my heart that I needed one more year to be ready physically, mentally, whatever that may have been. And this year has paid off for me in ways that I can’t even describe in that regard.
And as I said yesterday, I found my joy back, my love for the game, and I found a sisterhood and family that I’ll have forever. And so I’ve grown in my leadership. I’ve grown in my game.
“Obviously, I’m having a career year across the board, but also I’ve grown in just trusting myself and knowing that I could play at a high level. And I didn’t quite think I was there last year, ready enough to be a pro at that moment, but now I feel ready.”