The WNBA's Olivia Miles and Maddie Westbeld's relationship status has been a topic of speculation among fans and media alike. The two players, who played together at the University of Notre Dame, have been linked since the 2026 WNBA draft, with Miles being drafted second overall by the Minnesota Lynx and Westbeld by the Chicago Sky. Their relationship was made public in June 2025 when Miles shared an Instagram post featuring moments with Westbeld and their cat, Bean. This post was seen as a 'hard launch' of their relationship, with fans and friends reacting in the comments section and creating an Instagram account for their cat. While neither player has directly addressed their relationship in interviews, Miles has been vocal about her support for LGBTQ+ representation in basketball, stating, 'I’m rooting for the lesbians.'
The two players have continued to support each other publicly even after leaving Notre Dame. Miles has attended Chicago Sky preseason games, and Westbeld has shared supportive posts about Miles' WNBA draft journey. However, the last post on Bean's Instagram account was before 33 weeks, creating a gap in their social media activity and sparking speculation about their relationship status. Despite this, there has been no public information about a breakup, and recent reports suggest that the pair is still together.
In my opinion, the continued support and public displays of affection between Miles and Westbeld suggest a strong and healthy relationship. Their ability to maintain a connection despite their busy schedules and different teams is a testament to the strength of their bond. While the lack of direct communication from the players may be frustrating for fans, it is understandable given their professional commitments. The fact that they have been able to maintain a relationship despite these challenges is a positive sign and indicates a deep and meaningful connection between the two.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between the public and private aspects of their relationship. While they have been open about their support for each other, the lack of direct communication about their relationship status may be a strategic move to maintain their privacy. This raises a deeper question about the balance between public and private life in professional sports, and the challenges that athletes face in managing these different aspects of their lives.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the role of social media in their relationship. The Instagram post and the creation of the Bean account were significant moments in their public display of affection. However, the gap in their social media activity may also highlight the challenges of maintaining a public relationship in the digital age. This raises a broader question about the impact of social media on personal relationships and the potential for misunderstandings and speculation.
What this really suggests is the complexity of professional relationships in the sports world. The ability to maintain a connection despite the challenges of fame and busy schedules is a testament to the strength of their bond. While the lack of direct communication may be frustrating, it is understandable given their professional commitments. The fact that they have been able to maintain a relationship despite these challenges is a positive sign and indicates a deep and meaningful connection between the two.
