Kim Mulkey’s Dynasty Secured: LSU Inks Landmark 10-Year Extension, Cementing a Baton Rouge Legacy
BATON ROUGE, LA – In a move that solidifies her commitment to the LSU Tigers women’s basketball program, head coach Kim Mulkey has signed a landmark 10-year contract extension, ensuring her presence in Baton Rouge through the 2035-36 season. The deal, approved unanimously by the LSU Board of Supervisors this morning, is valued at $48 million—making it not only the richest in women’s college basketball history but a bold statement from the university that Mulkey’s vision for the program is far from complete.
The announcement came during a low-key press conference at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, where Mulkey, flanked by athletic director Scott Woodward and university president William Tate IV, expressed gratitude and determination. “This isn’t about the money,” Mulkey said, her voice steady as ever. “It’s about the unfinished business. We’ve built something special here—championship culture, national relevance, a fanbase that roars like nowhere else. I’m not going anywhere until we stack more banners and inspire the next generation.”
The extension arrives at a pivotal moment. Since arriving from Baylor in 2021, Mulkey has transformed LSU women’s basketball from a solid SEC contender into a powerhouse. Her 2023 national championship—the program’s first—ignited a golden era. Follow-up runs included a Final Four appearance in 2024, back-to-back SEC titles in 2024 and 2025, and a current 2025-26 squad ranked No. 3 nationally with a 22-2 record midway through the season. Players like Aneesah Morrow (now thriving in the WNBA but whose LSU legacy looms large), Angel Reese (who returned for a fifth year in this fictional timeline), and emerging stars have thrived under her tutelage.
Mulkey’s previous 10-year, $36 million deal (signed in 2023 after the title) already shattered records. This new extension escalates her compensation further: starting at $4.2 million for the 2026-27 season and climbing to $5.4 million by the final year, with incentives tied to NCAA success, academic progress rates, and community outreach. Bonuses could push annual earnings past $6 million in banner years. A modest $3 million buyout clause protects both sides, reflecting mutual trust.
“This is LSU investing in excellence,” Woodward said. “Kim has elevated our brand, filled arenas, boosted NIL opportunities for our athletes, and made women’s basketball a must-see event in Baton Rouge. Extending her means continuity, stability, and more championships.”
Mulkey’s journey to this point reads like a coaching fairy tale with grit. A three-time national champion at Baylor (2005, 2012, 2019), she brought her fast-paced, defensive-minded style south. Early challenges—adjusting to SEC physicality, rebuilding recruiting pipelines—gave way to dominance. The 2023 title run, featuring dramatic comebacks and viral moments, turned LSU into a cultural phenomenon. Merchandise sales soared, TV ratings spiked, and the program’s valuation reportedly doubled.
Insiders say negotiations began quietly last fall. Mulkey, ever the competitor, sought assurances on facility upgrades (a new practice gym wing is slated for 2027), staff retention bonuses, and expanded international recruiting budgets. The university met every ask. “We didn’t haggle,” Tate noted. “We aligned visions.”
The impact ripples beyond the court. Mulkey has championed mental health resources, partnering with local organizations for player wellness programs. She’s advocated for equitable NIL deals, helping athletes secure seven-figure partnerships. Community events—youth clinics, food drives, school visits—have become staples. “Coach Mulkey doesn’t just coach basketball,” said senior forward Mikaylah Williams. “She coaches life. This extension means we keep learning from the best.”
Rivals feel the pressure. SEC coaches privately admit Mulkey’s stability forces upgrades elsewhere. South Carolina’s Dawn Staley, already at elite pay levels, may push for parity. Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M are investing heavily in facilities. “Kim’s deal sets a new floor,” one anonymous SEC AD said. “If LSU can pay this, everyone has to step up or get left behind.”
Mulkey addressed critics who question the escalating salaries in college sports. “People talk about ‘too much money,’ but look at what it buys: top talent stays, facilities improve, fans engage, and young women see possibilities. This isn’t excess—it’s investment in empowerment.”
Looking ahead, expectations are sky-high. The current roster features a blend of veterans and five-star recruits. Mulkey envisions multiple titles in the decade ahead. “We’re not satisfied with one,” she said. “We want a dynasty. Sustained excellence. That’s what this contract commits me to.”
Players past and present flooded social media with support. Angel Reese posted: “Coach Mulkey forever 💜🐯 #GeauxTigers.” Aneesah Morrow, now with the Connecticut Sun, tweeted: “The standard she set at LSU changed lives—including mine. Proud to have played for her.” Even former Baylor stars sent congratulations, acknowledging her cross-program legacy.
Behind the scenes, Mulkey remains hands-on. Assistants Gary Redus and Chelsea Williams received raises and extensions, ensuring staff continuity. Recruiting remains aggressive, with top prospects from California to New York eyeing Baton Rouge. The PMAC, already electric, promises to get louder.
As the press conference wrapped, Mulkey took a moment to reflect. “When I came here, I promised to build something lasting. Today, we lock that in for another decade. To our fans, our players, our university—thank you for believing. Let’s keep winning.”
The extension isn’t just a paycheck; it’s a covenant. In an era of transfer portal chaos and coaching carousel, Mulkey’s long-term pledge offers rare stability. LSU women’s basketball isn’t peaking—it’s ascending. With Mulkey at the helm through 2035, the Tigers aim to redefine dynasty in the sport.
For now, Baton Rouge breathes easier. The architect stays. The chase continues.
To the Tigers faithful: buckle up. The best is yet to come.
