Financial-related reasons possible for top WNBA prospect staying in school

Notre Dame G Olivia Miles, the projected No. 2 pick in the WNBA Draft, will not turn pro and instead transfer to another school in a “twist unique to women’s college basketball,” according to Glynn Hill of the WASHINGTON POST. One factor that could be playing into the decision is the “reality of life in the WNBA,” where top rookie salaries can be “less than what top women’s basketball players earn in college.” Sparks F Cameron Brink, the No. 2 selection in 2024, made “just over” $76,000 during her rookie season (WASHINGTON POST, 4/1). In Seattle, Percy Allen noted Miles “will likely receive a lucrative name, image and likeness deal from her new college team.” ESPN’s Andraya Carter said, “With NIL in place, there are opportunities to make money elsewhere. And if you want to explore some of those options, she could have a lot of options” (SEATTLE TIMES, 3/31). In South Bend, Tyler Noie wrote: “Surprising? Shocking? Not really. Not if you’ve paid attention. … To the WNBA. To where the college game is with Name Image and Likeness and all (i.e., $$$) that it entails” (SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE, 4/1).

WAITING FOR NEW CBA? THE ATHLETIC’s Sabreena Merchant writes Miles’ decision could be in part because the WNBA is currently negotiating a new CBA that could “potentially triple individual salaries.” Rather than “lock herself into a four-year rookie contract totaling about $350,000,” Miles “could wait to enter the league until 2026 and possibly recoup that figure within the first two seasons.” Agents have been “advising college players across the country with an additional year of eligibility to stay in school and reap the financial rewards of the next CBA” (THE ATHLETIC, 4/2). Sports media personality Sarah Spain said, “This is the last season that (the WNBA) is going to use this CBA. When it changes, they’re probably getting more money, especially the rookie contracts. So, Olivia Miles decides to stick around and when she comes out next year, she gets more money” (“Around the Horn,” ESPN, 4/1).

TAKING THE TRADITIONAL ROAD: UConn G Paige Bueckers, the presumptive top pick in the WNBA Draft, last week confirmed that she will turn pro after the NCAA Tournament despite having one more year of college eligibility (SBJ).