Kim Mulkey Stuns Basketball World, Turns Down $20.5 Million NBA Offer and Powerhouse College Jobs to Stay with LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball and professional sports communities, Kim Mulkey, the indomitable head coach of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, has officially declined a lucrative $20.5 million offer from the NBA’s Tennessee Vols franchise and top-tier college programs Notre Dame and others. Her decision to remain committed to LSU comes as a testament to her loyalty, passion, and vision for the future of women’s basketball at the Baton Rouge-based university.

Kim Mulkey’s name is synonymous with excellence in women’s basketball. Having carved an illustrious career first as a player and then as a coach, Mulkey’s résumé is a blueprint for success. A Louisiana native, Mulkey starred at Louisiana Tech, winning an NCAA championship as a player, before transitioning to coaching and making history as the first woman to lead a team to an NCAA Division I basketball title as a head coach.

Her tenure at Baylor University, where she amassed three NCAA championships (2005, 2012, 2019), elevated her to legendary status. Known for her fiery coaching style, strategic acumen, and ability to develop players into stars, Mulkey’s impact on the game is immeasurable. In 2021, she took the reins of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball program, promising to build a powerhouse in the SEC and beyond.

The basketball world was rocked when news surfaced that Mulkey had received a staggering $20.5 million contract offer from the NBA’s Tennessee Vols — an expansion team looking to make a splash by appointing a seasoned leader to guide their inaugural season. Alongside this NBA proposition, Mulkey was courted aggressively by Notre Dame, a perennial powerhouse in women’s college basketball, and several other elite programs seeking to add her to their coaching staff.

The offer, reportedly one of the richest ever presented to a women’s basketball coach, represented a new frontier for Mulkey — a chance to step into the men’s professional basketball arena or solidify her legacy at a historic collegiate program with immense resources and recruiting power.

In a press conference that captivated audiences nationwide, Mulkey revealed her decision to reject these lucrative opportunities in favor of continuing her mission at LSU. “This is about more than money or prestige,” she stated passionately. “LSU has believed in me from day one. The Tigers are family, and we have unfinished business here. I want to build something special, something lasting, that transforms women’s basketball in the South and inspires future generations.”

This decision signals Mulkey’s dedication to developing the LSU program into a national contender. Under her leadership, the Tigers have already made significant strides, improving recruiting, increasing national visibility, and fostering a culture of discipline and excellence.

For LSU, Mulkey’s commitment is a major coup. The university has been steadily investing in women’s basketball, upgrading facilities, expanding recruiting budgets, and intensifying media coverage. Mulkey’s decision to stay reassures recruits, fans, and stakeholders that the program’s upward trajectory will continue.

In the last two seasons under Mulkey, the Tigers have shown promising signs — clinching key SEC victories, making deep runs in the NCAA tournament, and nurturing standout players who have gained national recognition. Her presence ensures that LSU will continue to attract top-tier talent and compete fiercely against perennial powerhouses like South Carolina, Tennessee, and Connecticut.

The basketball world’s reaction has been a mix of admiration and surprise. Analysts praise Mulkey’s loyalty and strategic thinking, noting that she chose stability and long-term impact over immediate financial gain and prestige.

ESPN analyst and former WNBA coach Cheryl Reeve commented, “Kim Mulkey’s choice is bold and inspiring. It shows that coaching isn’t just a job for her; it’s a calling. She’s building a legacy that transcends contracts and headlines.”

Former college star and now ESPN commentator Carolyn Peck added, “This decision sets a powerful example for coaches everywhere — that impact, culture, and community matter just as much as dollars and titles.”

Mulkey’s decision to stay at LSU rather than jump to the NBA or another powerhouse college program shines a spotlight on the evolving landscape of women’s basketball. It highlights the growing importance of collegiate programs investing seriously in their women’s teams and the increasing stature of women’s college basketball as a viable, high-profile career platform for coaches.

Moreover, the fact that an NBA team sought to lure Mulkey underscores the breaking down of barriers in professional basketball, signaling potential shifts in hiring practices and opportunities for women coaches in the men’s game.

The Tennessee Vols, an NBA expansion franchise set to begin play in the near future, aimed to make a historic statement by pursuing Mulkey as their head coach. Their offer of $20.5 million over multiple years reflected both their desire to win immediately and their commitment to diversity and innovation.

While the franchise will now have to pivot in their search, their audacious offer to Mulkey marks a notable milestone in professional basketball’s openness to women in leadership roles at the highest level.

Notre Dame’s aggressive pursuit of Mulkey was part of a strategic effort to reclaim dominance in women’s college basketball. Having fallen short of national titles in recent years, the Fighting Irish sought a coach who could immediately elevate their program.

Though disappointed, Notre Dame’s athletic director publicly praised Mulkey’s character and her dedication to LSU, acknowledging the competitive nature of coaching decisions at the elite level.

Looking ahead, Mulkey’s focus will be on recruiting top talent for the upcoming seasons and continuing to strengthen the team’s competitive edge. She has expressed a keen interest in expanding LSU’s community engagement and developing programs that promote women’s sports across Louisiana.

Her long-term vision includes building a state-of-the-art training facility dedicated exclusively to women’s basketball and launching initiatives aimed at empowering young female athletes throughout the region.

Kim Mulkey’s decision to turn down a historic NBA contract and high-profile college offers is more than just a career choice — it’s a statement about values, loyalty, and the power of vision in sports. In an era where coaching careers are often shaped by financial incentives and quick moves, Mulkey’s commitment to LSU stands as a beacon of stability and passion.

Her impact on women’s basketball is undeniable, and her journey is far from over. As the LSU Tigers continue to rise under her leadership, the basketball world will be watching closely — knowing that Kim Mulkey’s story is one of perseverance, ambition, and a profound love for the game.