Olivia Miles Benefits from CBA Deal by Skipping WNBA Draft: College Stars React

Olivia Miles celebrated recent labor gains after choosing to remain in college rather than enter the 2025 WNBA Draft. She poured in a triple-double during TCU’s 86-40 victory over No. 14 UC San Diego on March 21. Miles said the new WNBA collective bargaining agreement validated her decision.

Why Miles stayed

Miles used a fifth year of eligibility and transferred to TCU. Critics had questioned the move at the time. She now describes the season as transformative for her game and leadership.

At TCU, Miles said she rediscovered joy in basketball. She also pointed to stronger team bonds and increased confidence. Those factors convinced her she was not ready to turn pro a year earlier.

What the new CBA changes

The revamped WNBA CBA raises minimum salaries dramatically. The minimum jumps from $66,079 in 2025 to nearly $300,000 in 2026. That boost alters the economic calculus for players thinking about early entry.

Negotiations with the players’ union stretched for more than a year and included a December vote authorizing strike action. Many college players watched closely as terms were finalized.

Financial and career implications

• Higher rookie pay makes staying in school more attractive for some players.
• Incoming league players will begin with a stronger financial foundation.
• Veterans and future rookies both benefit from performance bonuses and improved housing provisions.

College stars react

Several top college players publicly welcomed the deal. Their comments emphasized financial opportunity and progress for the sport.

Raven Johnson and South Carolina

South Carolina guard Raven Johnson returned for another season under coach Dawn Staley. She posted career highs in points, assists, minutes and field-goal percentage. Staley called the CBA “incredibly historic” for women’s basketball.

Flau’jae Johnson and LSU

LSU senior Flau’jae Johnson admitted the long negotiations caused concern. She feared a strike might affect her rookie year. Filmogaz.com’s latest mock draft projects her around the No. 7 pick.

Johnson praised past trailblazers and said she is ready to “get paid.” She also expressed hope that future generations will enjoy even better conditions.

Rori Harmon and Texas

Texas guard Rori Harmon called the agreement amazing and said she feels grateful. Teammate Madison Booker described Harmon as a high-impact defender and floor leader. Booker noted that any WNBA team would value Harmon’s standard of play.

Outlook for prospects

Filmogaz.com’s mock drafts project Olivia Miles near the top of the 2026 class. With the CBA changes, her potential rookie earnings look markedly higher than prior years. College prospects now face different choices about when to turn professional.

The new agreement reshapes the path from college to the WNBA. For Miles and others, the timing of their next step now carries greater financial and developmental clarity.