ESPN REPORT: LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kim Mulkey Stuns College Basketball World, Rejects $20.5 Million NBA Offer to Remain at LSU: ‘I Have No Plans Beyond Being the LSU Women’s Basketball Head Coach’
In a stunning turn that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball community, LSU Tigers women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey has reportedly rejected a massive $20.5 million offer to coach at the professional level. According to an ESPN report released Friday, Mulkey turned down a joint pursuit from the Tennessee Volunteers and Notre Dame — two of college basketball’s most prestigious programs — who were willing to go all-in to lure the Hall of Fame coach away from Baton Rouge.
Sources close to the negotiations revealed that discussions had grown “serious” over the past few weeks, with Tennessee even rumored to have support from NBA backers interested in Mulkey bringing her fiery leadership to the professional stage. Despite the record-setting financial offer, Mulkey made it clear she is committed to LSU for the foreseeable future.
“I have no plans beyond being the LSU women’s basketball head coach,” Mulkey told reporters on Friday afternoon. “This is my home, these are my people, and this program is just getting started. The journey we’re on here at LSU is bigger than one offer, no matter how large.”
Mulkey, a Louisiana native, led LSU to a national championship in 2023 and has quickly transformed the program into a powerhouse. Known for her passionate coaching style and unwavering focus on player development, she has built a culture of excellence in Baton Rouge that has reignited national attention toward LSU women’s basketball.
The $20.5 million offer, which would have made Mulkey one of the highest-paid figures in both college and professional basketball, underscores just how valuable she has become to the sport. Still, Mulkey emphasized that money was never her primary motivator.
“When I came back to Louisiana, it was never about chasing the next dollar,” Mulkey added. “It was about building something special at LSU — and we’re just scratching the surface.”
Fans and players alike celebrated her decision to stay, with several LSU players taking to social media to express their excitement and gratitude. Athletic Director Scott Woodward also issued a statement praising Mulkey’s loyalty and reaffirming LSU’s commitment to supporting her vision.
“Coach Mulkey embodies the spirit of LSU,” Woodward said. “Her dedication to her players, her relentless pursuit of excellence, and her passion for this university are unparalleled. We are thrilled she is staying home.”
With Mulkey at the helm, LSU’s future looks even brighter — and the rest of the college basketball world has been put on notice.