ESPN REPORT: LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kim Mulkey Stuns College Basketball World, Rejects $20.5 Million NBA Offer to Remain with LSU
In a stunning move that sent shockwaves across the college basketball world, LSU Tigers women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey has reportedly rejected a massive $20.5 million coaching offer from the Tennessee Volunteers and Notre Dame, choosing instead to remain at LSU. According to an ESPN report released Saturday, Mulkey turned down the unprecedented deal, affirming her commitment to the Tigers and solidifying her status as one of the sport’s most loyal and respected leaders.
“I have no plans beyond being the LSU women’s basketball head coach,” Mulkey stated emphatically when asked about her future. “This is my home. This is where my heart is.”
The reported offer would have made Mulkey one of the highest-paid coaches in either men’s or women’s college basketball and rivaled some NBA coaching salaries. Sources familiar with the negotiations said Tennessee and Notre Dame were willing to offer Mulkey full control over their programs, along with lucrative incentives, but she ultimately declined.
Mulkey, who led the Tigers to a national championship in 2023 and has transformed the LSU women’s basketball program into a powerhouse, has become a cultural icon in Louisiana. Her fiery coaching style, colorful personality, and relentless drive for excellence have endeared her to fans and players alike. Her decision to stay comes at a pivotal time as LSU aims to defend its national title and continue building a dynasty in Baton Rouge.
The news also has significant ripple effects across college sports. Tennessee and Notre Dame, two historic programs with storied basketball traditions, will now need to pivot to alternative candidates. For LSU, the announcement is a resounding victory, signaling the program’s stability and long-term ambitions under Mulkey’s leadership.
“I believe in what we’re building here. I believe in our players, our fans, and the LSU community,” Mulkey said. “We’ve only just begun.”
Athletic Director Scott Woodward praised Mulkey’s decision, calling it “a testament to the strength of LSU and the special bond Kim has with this university.”
“She’s a champion, a leader, and a Tiger through and through,” Woodward said in a statement. “Today is a great day for LSU.”
As the Tigers prepare for another run at the national championship, the commitment from Mulkey ensures that the program will remain one of the elite forces in college basketball for years to come. Her loyalty to LSU, even in the face of historic financial temptation, underscores her place among the sport’s all-time greats.
Mulkey’s message to the college basketball world is clear: her heart, her future, and her championship dreams remain firmly rooted in Baton Rouge.