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To declare for the WNBA draft, a prospect must either graduate college or turn 22 years old in the same calendar year as the draft. This rule has posed a challenge for women’s college basketball players who often have to wait until their senior seasons to be eligible.
During an appearance on Good Game With Sarah Spain, USC star and sophomore JuJu Watkins discussed the debate surrounding the draft age requirements. Watkins acknowledges the various perspectives, with some advocating for a lower age limit and others preferring to maintain the status quo due to the evolving landscape of college basketball and NIL opportunities.
Watkins expressed her personal stance on the issue, emphasizing the value of the college experience in building one’s brand and preparing for a professional career. She believes players should have the option to choose their path, acknowledging the complexities of the subject.
Coach Gottlieb highlighted the financial opportunities available in college basketball through NIL deals, citing the case of Caitlin Clark as an example of how staying in college can benefit players in the long run.
Gottlieb emphasized the platform and financial power that players can gain by staying in college longer, pointing out that early declarations may limit their potential impact in the professional ranks.
Aside from the age requirements, players can also become draft-eligible by graduating college in three years instead of four.
If the draft rules were to change, it could have allowed Watkins to declare for the 2025 draft instead of waiting until 2027. In the meantime, she has the opportunity to continue growing her brand and skills at the collegiate level.
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