Kim Mulkey Signs Landmark 10-Year Contract Extension with LSU Women’s Basketball

BATON ROUGE, LA — In a pivotal move that underscores her unwavering commitment to the LSU Tigers women’s basketball program, head coach Kim Mulkey has signed a historic 10-year contract extension. This groundbreaking deal is not only a testament to Mulkey’s exceptional leadership but also signifies a long-term commitment to the continued success and growth of the Tigers’ basketball program.

A Historic Extension for a Historic Coach

When Kim Mulkey took the reins of the LSU women’s basketball team in April 2021, she quickly transformed the program. After just one season at the helm, Mulkey led the Tigers to their first Final Four appearance since 2008, proving her prowess and vision for the program. Under her leadership, LSU has seen unprecedented growth, both on and off the court, with notable improvements in recruiting, performance, and fan engagement. The 2023-2024 season culminated with the Tigers winning the NCAA National Championship, a testament to Mulkey’s coaching ability and her deep connection to her players.

The 10-year extension, which runs through the 2034-2035 season, is being hailed as one of the most significant contracts in the history of women’s college basketball. It ensures that Mulkey will remain at the forefront of the LSU women’s basketball program for at least the next decade, allowing her to continue building a powerhouse team that can compete for national titles for years to come.

The contract extension comes on the heels of LSU’s recent success, including an impressive run in the NCAA tournament and an increased national profile for the women’s program. It solidifies Mulkey’s place as one of the most successful and influential figures in college basketball today, as well as a symbol of excellence for women’s sports nationwide.

Mulkey’s Impact on LSU and Women’s Basketball

Kim Mulkey’s influence on LSU’s women’s basketball program cannot be overstated. She arrived in Baton Rouge with a track record that speaks for itself. A three-time NCAA champion as head coach at Baylor, Mulkey was the ideal choice to take LSU’s women’s basketball program to new heights. Her decision to leave Baylor, where she had already built a dynasty, shocked many in the college basketball world, but it quickly became clear that she was the perfect fit for LSU.

Since her arrival, Mulkey has brought an infectious energy and fierce determination to the program. Her coaching philosophy blends a no-nonsense approach with a deep understanding of her players’ needs and motivations. She has a reputation for pushing her athletes to their limits while also providing the guidance and support they need to succeed both on and off the court.

Under her leadership, the LSU Tigers have become known for their tough defense, dynamic offense, and mental toughness. Mulkey’s emphasis on discipline and accountability has turned the program into a national contender. Her success at LSU is also reflected in the success of the players she has mentored, many of whom have gone on to play in the WNBA and represent their countries on the international stage.

Mulkey’s influence extends far beyond the basketball court. Her leadership has helped elevate the profile of women’s sports at LSU and in the SEC. By securing the 10-year contract extension, LSU is sending a message that they are committed to maintaining and expanding their investment in women’s athletics. The extension comes at a time when women’s sports are experiencing a surge in popularity and media attention, and Mulkey is poised to continue leading the charge.

What the Extension Means for LSU’s Future

The decision to sign Mulkey to a 10-year extension signals LSU’s long-term investment in its women’s basketball program. It is a clear indication that the university intends to remain one of the top programs in the nation and that Mulkey will be at the helm for the foreseeable future.

The extension not only guarantees Mulkey’s leadership but also provides LSU with the stability and continuity needed to build a dynasty. This move also sends a strong message to potential recruits that LSU is committed to building a program that can compete at the highest level for years to come. The Tigers will continue to be a top destination for the best high school athletes in the country, knowing that they will have the opportunity to play for one of the greatest coaches in the game.

Moreover, this contract extension provides LSU with the chance to further invest in the development of its women’s basketball facilities, expand its recruiting network, and increase the program’s visibility. As the women’s game continues to grow, LSU is positioning itself to be a leader in the movement toward greater recognition and investment in women’s sports.

For Mulkey, the extension allows her to continue pursuing her vision for the program. She has already shown that she is capable of turning LSU into a national powerhouse, and with the long-term security of the extension, she will have the freedom to recruit the best talent, develop her players, and push for more championships.

Quotes from Mulkey and LSU Leadership

Kim Mulkey expressed her excitement about the extension in a statement following the announcement. “I am extremely grateful to the administration, to President Tate, and to our athletic director Scott Woodward for their belief in me and in the vision we have for this program. I am committed to bringing LSU the success it deserves and ensuring that our student-athletes have the resources they need to succeed. We are just getting started, and I look forward to many more years of building something special here in Baton Rouge.”

LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward also weighed in, calling the extension a significant moment for the university. “Kim Mulkey is a Hall of Fame coach and a transformative leader. She has already had an incredible impact on this program and this community, and we are thrilled that she will continue to lead LSU women’s basketball for years to come. This extension is a testament to the success we’ve already seen and the bright future ahead.”

LSU President William F. Tate IV also offered his congratulations, emphasizing the importance of women’s sports in the broader landscape of collegiate athletics. “Kim has redefined what success looks like for LSU women’s basketball. We are proud to have her lead this program, and we are excited to continue supporting her as she builds a national championship-contending team that will make LSU proud for years to come.”

The Legacy of Kim Mulkey

As Kim Mulkey begins the next chapter of her career with this 10-year contract extension, her legacy is already being written. In just a few short years, she has brought LSU back to the top of women’s basketball, and her impact on the program is already profound.

Mulkey is not just building a championship team, but also laying the foundation for a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations of athletes. Her success at LSU has already set a new standard for women’s basketball, and with this extension, Mulkey has the opportunity to further cement her place as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the sport.

Her commitment to the program, her players, and her community is evident in everything she does. It’s clear that she’s not just interested in winning games—she’s dedicated to creating an environment where her athletes can thrive both on and off the court. With her leadership, LSU is positioned to be a dominant force in women’s basketball for the next decade and beyond.

As LSU women’s basketball continues to soar under Mulkey’s direction, the Tigers’ faithful will undoubtedly be excited to see what the future holds for their beloved team. With this landmark 10-year extension, LSU has made it clear that the sky’s the limit for Mulkey and the Tigers.