ESPN REPORT: Kim Mulkey, head coach of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, stuns the college basketball world by turning down a $20.5 million NBA offer from the Tennessee Vols and Notre Dame to stay with the LSU Tigers: “Aside from being the head coach of the women’s basketball team at LSU, I have no plans.”
In a stunning move that has reverberated throughout the world of college basketball, Kim Mulkey, the legendary head coach of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, has turned down a lucrative $20.5 million offer from the Tennessee Vols and Notre Dame to remain with the LSU Tigers. Mulkey, who has built an unprecedented legacy in Baton Rouge, made her decision clear in a statement that left many stunned: “Aside from being the head coach of the women’s basketball team at LSU, I have no plans.”
This surprising announcement has left college basketball fans and analysts alike questioning the motives behind Mulkey’s decision, as well as the broader implications for the LSU Tigers program. A move that would have seen Mulkey make a huge jump into the professional ranks—whether with the NBA’s Tennessee Vols or the storied Notre Dame program—was expected to signal a dramatic shift in the landscape of women’s basketball. But instead, Mulkey chose loyalty, legacy, and a clear sense of purpose in Baton Rouge.
Kim Mulkey’s rise to prominence as a head coach has been nothing short of extraordinary. Having taken over at LSU in 2021, she quickly transformed the Tigers into a powerhouse, winning national championships and accumulating an impressive list of accolades along the way. Her ability to recruit top-tier talent, foster a championship mentality, and elevate her teams to the highest level of competition in the NCAA has cemented her as one of the most successful and influential coaches in women’s basketball history.
Her tenure at LSU has been marked by significant milestones, including leading the Tigers to the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, a victory that shocked many and solidified her reputation as a master strategist and motivator. Her ability to build cohesive, dominant teams while managing a high-pressure environment has made her an iconic figure in college sports, especially in women’s basketball.
The offer extended to Mulkey from the Tennessee Vols and Notre Dame was reported to be in the realm of $20.5 million, a figure that would have placed her at the helm of an NBA franchise—a move that many believed was inevitable for someone of Mulkey’s caliber. The idea of Mulkey coaching a professional team had been gaining traction, especially given the increasing presence of women’s basketball in professional leagues such as the WNBA and the ongoing evolution of the NBA’s partnership with women’s sports.
Both Tennessee and Notre Dame are highly respected programs, and their decision to pursue Mulkey was an indication of her immense value in the world of basketball. For Tennessee, a program that has long been associated with elite coaching and success, bringing in Mulkey would have been seen as a major coup. Meanwhile, Notre Dame—already a powerhouse in women’s college basketball—was hoping to elevate its program to even greater heights under Mulkey’s leadership.
In her statement regarding the decision to remain at LSU, Mulkey emphasized her deep connection to the school, its culture, and its vision for the future of women’s basketball. “LSU gave me the opportunity to lead and shape something special, and there’s nowhere I’d rather be than right here,” Mulkey said. “I’ve built something here that is bigger than just basketball. It’s about creating an environment where excellence is expected, both on and off the court.”
Her words resonated deeply with LSU fans, as she has consistently demonstrated a passion for the program that extends beyond the basketball court. The success of the LSU women’s basketball team under her leadership has sparked renewed excitement among the fanbase, with the Tigers becoming one of the premier teams in the nation. Mulkey’s decision to stay with LSU reaffirms her commitment to the program and her dedication to shaping the next generation of women’s basketball stars.
Mulkey’s decision to turn down the NBA’s $20.5 million offer also signals the long-term stability of LSU’s women’s basketball program. The Tigers have been thriving under her leadership, and Mulkey’s presence has brought not only success on the court but also a renewed sense of pride to the LSU community. Her decision to stay means that LSU will continue to be a dominant force in women’s basketball, with Mulkey at the helm guiding them through future seasons of high expectations.
As a result, LSU’s recruiting efforts are poised to take another leap forward. With Mulkey’s track record of success, it’s likely that the Tigers will continue to attract top-tier talent from across the country, further solidifying their position as one of the most successful and prestigious programs in women’s college basketball.
Additionally, Mulkey’s decision to remain in Baton Rouge is a powerful statement about the growing prominence of women’s sports at the collegiate level. With her as the face of LSU’s women’s basketball program, the Tigers will continue to challenge perceptions and break down barriers in women’s athletics. Her leadership is helping to elevate women’s basketball to new heights, inspiring not only future generations of players but also young women aspiring to become coaches and leaders in the sports world.
Mulkey’s decision to stay at LSU raises several questions about her future in the coaching world. Could she eventually consider a move to the NBA or the WNBA in the future? While her immediate plans involve continuing her work with LSU, there is no denying that Mulkey’s success has positioned her as one of the most sought-after figures in basketball, regardless of gender.
For now, though, her focus remains on LSU and the continued growth of the women’s basketball program. As the Tigers prepare for the next season, Mulkey will no doubt have her eyes set on another championship run, as well as the long-term development of her players. With her track record of success, it’s clear that LSU’s women’s basketball team will remain a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
Mulkey’s decision has prompted a wide range of reactions from both the collegiate and professional basketball worlds. Analysts, coaches, and players alike have weighed in on the news, with many expressing admiration for Mulkey’s loyalty to LSU and her dedication to building something special in Baton Rouge.
Tennessee’s pursuit of Mulkey, while unsuccessful, has been widely seen as an indicator of the growing respect and recognition for women’s basketball coaches in the professional sports world. Mulkey’s decision has further highlighted the increasing interest in women’s sports, particularly in basketball, and how the landscape of professional and collegiate sports continues to evolve.
Similarly, Notre Dame’s attempt to lure Mulkey away from LSU has also sparked discussions about the future of women’s college basketball. The decision to extend such a massive offer underscores the importance of top-tier coaching in women’s basketball and reflects the growing commercial and cultural power of the sport.
Mulkey’s decision has also brought attention to the broader movement within women’s sports. In recent years, the visibility of women’s basketball has been steadily increasing, with television ratings for the NCAA tournament reaching new heights, and sponsorships, endorsements, and opportunities for female athletes expanding. As a coach who has always pushed for equal treatment and visibility for women’s basketball, Mulkey’s decision to stay at LSU sends a strong message about the importance of supporting women’s sports at all levels.
Her leadership at LSU serves as a model for other programs to emulate, and her impact will be felt for years to come as she continues to break down barriers and challenge traditional norms in sports coaching. Mulkey’s decision is more than just a commitment to LSU—it’s a commitment to the future of women’s basketball as a whole.
Kim Mulkey’s choice to turn down a staggering $20.5 million offer from the Tennessee Vols and Notre Dame to stay at LSU is a testament to her deep commitment to the LSU Tigers, her players, and the sport of women’s basketball. With her unparalleled success as a coach and her visionary leadership, Mulkey has solidified her place as one of the most influential figures in the history of women’s sports.
Her decision leaves no question about her dedication to LSU and her plans to continue building a championship-caliber program that will remain a powerhouse for years to come. As LSU’s women’s basketball team prepares for the next chapter in its storied history, Mulkey will undoubtedly continue to inspire and lead with passion, purpose, and the unwavering belief that the best is yet to come.
