Kim Mulkey Turns Down $20.5 Million NBA Offer, Stays with LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball

In a stunning move that has sent ripples through both the college basketball world and the NBA, Kim Mulkey, the highly successful head coach of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, has turned down a lucrative $20.5 million offer to join an NBA franchise. This decision, while shocking to many, reaffirms Mulkey’s unwavering commitment to her program and her belief in the future of LSU women’s basketball.

The 61-year-old Hall of Fame coach, who has built a dynasty at LSU and helped transform the Tigers into a national powerhouse, shocked the sports world by turning down the multi-million-dollar contract that would have made her one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA. Instead, Mulkey has chosen to remain in Baton Rouge, continuing to lead the Tigers with the same passion and intensity that helped her win a national championship in 2022.

A Career Built on Excellence

Kim Mulkey’s decision to stay at LSU is a testament to her career-long dedication to the women’s game and to the development of student-athletes. She has cemented herself as one of the most influential figures in women’s basketball history, not only for her success as a coach but also for her unapologetic advocacy for the women’s game.

Mulkey, a former Baylor Bears star and an Olympic gold medalist, has been a fixture in NCAA women’s basketball since 2000, when she began her head coaching career at Baylor University. She led the Bears to three national championships (2005, 2012, and 2019) and developed a reputation for her fiery, no-nonsense approach to coaching. In 2021, Mulkey made a surprise move when she left Baylor to take the helm of LSU, a program that had been in need of a transformative figure.

In just two seasons at LSU, Mulkey has accomplished what many thought was impossible. In her first year (2022), she led the Tigers to the NCAA tournament’s Final Four. The following year, she guided the team to the national championship, securing LSU’s first women’s basketball title in history. The championship win, highlighted by a dominant performance from star player Angel Reese, solidified Mulkey’s legacy as one of the most successful and respected coaches in the history of college basketball.

Her success at LSU has been nothing short of remarkable. Mulkey has transformed the Tigers from a program with potential into a legitimate contender for the national title year in and year out. The team’s success has brought unprecedented attention to the LSU women’s basketball program, and the school’s commitment to women’s athletics has never been stronger.

The NBA Offer

The $20.5 million offer from an NBA franchise came as a surprise to many. The league has seen an increasing number of women’s basketball figures considered for roles within NBA organizations, but a coach like Mulkey was always considered a long shot to make the jump.

Sources close to Mulkey have revealed that the NBA offer was not only financially rewarding but would have also given her the opportunity to shape the development of the league’s women’s program. The NBA has been making significant strides in promoting women’s basketball, from supporting the WNBA to establishing developmental leagues and talent identification programs. The prospect of coaching at the highest level in the men’s game, with a team’s full backing and support, was undoubtedly enticing.

However, despite the financial windfall and the prestige of joining the NBA, Mulkey’s decision was ultimately driven by her deep-rooted passion for the women’s college game. According to insiders, Mulkey believed that she still had unfinished business at LSU and felt a strong sense of loyalty to the players and the program she had built from the ground up.

“I feel like my work here at LSU is far from over,” Mulkey said in a statement announcing her decision. “We’ve done some incredible things already, but there’s so much more potential here. I want to continue to develop these young women, help them grow as basketball players and as individuals, and build a lasting legacy for this program. The NBA will always be there, but right now, my heart is with LSU.”

The Impact of Mulkey’s Decision

Mulkey’s decision to turn down the NBA’s offer sends a powerful message not only to the LSU Tigers program but to the entire landscape of women’s basketball. For years, the women’s game has struggled to gain the same level of attention and resources as the men’s game, but Mulkey’s success at LSU and her decision to remain in college basketball reflect the growing importance and recognition of women’s athletics.

Mulkey has always been vocal about her belief in the potential of women’s sports, particularly women’s basketball. “We are just as good, just as talented, and just as deserving as anyone else,” she has said many times. In a world where opportunities for women in coaching and sports administration are still evolving, Mulkey’s decision to stay in college basketball sends a strong signal to future generations of women aspiring to leadership roles in sports.

Her choice also underscores the changing landscape of women’s sports. While many female coaches have taken positions in the men’s game, Mulkey’s decision to stay in college basketball is a reminder that there is still much work to be done at the grassroots and collegiate levels. With her leadership, LSU has become a model for what women’s college basketball can achieve in terms of visibility, competitiveness, and success.

“I don’t just coach basketball, I coach life,” Mulkey added in her statement. “I’ve always believed that the lessons learned on the court—discipline, teamwork, perseverance—are lessons that these women can take with them for the rest of their lives. I’m here for them. We’ve built something special, and I’m committed to seeing it through.”

What This Means for LSU Women’s Basketball

Kim Mulkey’s decision ensures that LSU will remain a powerhouse in women’s college basketball for the foreseeable future. As the head coach, Mulkey has instilled a winning culture in Baton Rouge that has set high expectations for both herself and her players. With an incredible track record of success, Mulkey is one of the most respected coaches in the game, and her presence at LSU gives the Tigers an edge in recruiting top-tier talent.

The 2022 national championship was just the beginning. LSU’s women’s basketball program is now seen as one of the most desirable destinations for high school recruits across the country. Mulkey’s ability to recruit and develop top talent was a major factor in her decision to remain with LSU. Under her leadership, LSU has become a consistent contender for national championships, with some of the best players in the nation committing to play in Baton Rouge.

One of the most exciting aspects of Mulkey’s decision is the potential for future success. With the continued development of Angel Reese, who was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player in 2023, and a roster that includes other rising stars, LSU is poised to remain among the top teams in women’s college basketball. Mulkey has already established herself as a master recruiter, and with her continued leadership, LSU could dominate the college basketball scene for years to come.

Looking Ahead

The future of LSU women’s basketball is bright, and Kim Mulkey’s decision to stay with the Tigers is a reflection of her passion for the program and the impact she believes she can still make. Her decision to turn down the NBA offer is a powerful statement not only about her loyalty to LSU but also about her belief in the importance of women’s college basketball.

As Mulkey continues to build her legacy at LSU, one thing is clear: she is committed to helping elevate the women’s game to new heights. Whether it’s developing players, winning championships, or advocating for greater visibility for women’s sports, Mulkey is determined to leave her mark on the sport she loves.

Kim Mulkey may have turned down a $20.5 million NBA contract, but in doing so, she has reaffirmed her commitment to the women’s college game and to the next generation of female athletes. Her decision is a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences aren’t measured by the size of the paycheck, but by the impact we make on the lives of others.

For LSU, women’s basketball, and the future of the sport, this is just the beginning.