Kim Mulkey Stuns College Basketball by Turning Down $20.5 Million NBA Offer to Stay at LSU

In a stunning and unprecedented decision that shook the college basketball world, LSU women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey has turned down a $20.5 million offer from the NBA to remain at the helm of the LSU Tigers.

According to sources familiar with the negotiations, both the Tennessee Vols and Notre Dame had partnered with an unnamed NBA franchise in an ambitious bid to lure Mulkey into making the leap to the professional ranks. The blockbuster offer—one of the richest ever proposed to a women’s basketball coach—was reportedly structured to bring Mulkey in as a dual-role figure, offering her a groundbreaking opportunity: serve as head coach of an expansion WNBA franchise while holding a consulting or leadership role with the Vols and Irish.

But the fiery, Hall of Fame coach known for her unapologetic personality, championship pedigree, and relentless commitment to winning wasn’t swayed by the money, the spotlight, or the historic nature of the deal.

“Aside from being the head coach of the women’s basketball team at LSU, I have no plans,” Mulkey said. “I’ve built something special here. I’m not finished.”

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Offer

The $20.5 million deal—spread across five years—would have made Mulkey the highest-paid coach in women’s basketball history at any level, eclipsing the likes of South Carolina’s Dawn Staley and even top NBA assistants.

Tennessee and Notre Dame, longtime college basketball powerhouses, reportedly approached the NBA as part of a joint proposal to launch a trailblazing professional opportunity in coordination with the league’s upcoming expansion. The franchise was rumored to be based in Nashville or Indianapolis, both regions with passionate basketball followings.

Mulkey would have been the face of the new franchise, with full control of team operations and player personnel, while also serving in a consulting capacity for player development and women’s basketball strategy at both college programs.

Yet despite the historic implications, Mulkey’s heart never left Baton Rouge.

Why Mulkey Said No

Kim Mulkey isn’t a coach who chases glamour or validation. She’s a builder. She built Baylor into a national powerhouse, claiming three national titles and turning Waco into a perennial championship destination. When she arrived at LSU in 2021, the Tigers were talented but unfocused. In less than two years, she had them lifting the national championship trophy.

Now, with LSU consistently ranked in the top five and producing WNBA-caliber talent each year, Mulkey sees unfinished business—not just more titles, but a legacy.

“There’s a difference between building something and inheriting it,” she said. “I built this program with players who believed in me when no one else did. You don’t walk away from that because someone waves a check in your face.”

Sources close to Mulkey say her decision was rooted in loyalty, not just to LSU, but to her players, her staff, and the LSU fan base that embraced her intensity and passion.

Loyalty to Her Roots

Mulkey’s Louisiana roots run deep. Born in Santa Ana, California, but raised in Hammond, Louisiana, she has long described LSU as her “dream job.” Coaching in her home state, she often references how much it means to her to represent the culture and grit of Louisiana on a national stage.

Her coaching style—brash, emotional, intense—mirrors the state’s blue-collar pride. Her postgame interviews are raw and real. She is never one to shy away from speaking her mind, and that authenticity has resonated in Baton Rouge.

“I didn’t come here for a stepping stone,” Mulkey said during her LSU introductory press conference in 2021. “I came here to retire here. This is home.”

More Than Just a Coach

Kim Mulkey isn’t just the head coach of LSU women’s basketball—she’s the face of a movement. Her arrival coincided with a renaissance in women’s sports across the SEC, and her visibility and success have elevated the entire conference.

Her impact off the court has been equally significant. Since taking over, Mulkey has helped LSU become one of the most prominent brands in women’s college basketball. She’s pushed for better NIL opportunities for her players, fought for investment in women’s athletics, and become a lightning rod for national media attention.

LSU’s recent announcement of a nearly $1 billion stadium renovation and expansion—much of it credited to the Mulkey Effect—only strengthens her position as one of the most influential figures in college athletics.

The Reaction

The response to Mulkey’s decision has been swift and passionate.

LSU fans erupted with praise and gratitude, flooding social media with messages of appreciation. “She’s Louisiana through and through,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “You can’t put a price on what she means to this state.”

Even rivals tipped their hat to Mulkey’s decision. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley called it “a powerful moment for women’s sports.”

“You don’t see loyalty like that anymore,” Staley told ESPN. “She’s made LSU into a force, and now she’s choosing them over history and money. That’s rare.”

The NBA, while disappointed, released a statement acknowledging her choice and praising her accomplishments. “Coach Mulkey is a transformative figure in basketball,” the league said. “We respect her decision and look forward to continuing to grow the game she has done so much for.”

What’s Next for Mulkey?

By turning down the NBA, Mulkey is doubling down on her vision for LSU. Insiders say she is already working with the university on a new contract extension that would push her past the $5 million per year mark—setting a new benchmark for women’s college coaches.

But money was never the point. Mulkey’s focus remains fixed on championships, player development, and building an empire in Baton Rouge.

The 2025 recruiting class is one of the strongest in the country. With key returners expected to stay thanks to strong NIL backing and player loyalty, LSU is positioned for another deep tournament run next season. Several recruits reportedly told LSU insiders that Mulkey’s decision to stay cemented their choice to commit.

Mulkey has also become a critical voice in ongoing NCAA reform conversations, particularly regarding athlete compensation and post-career support. Many expect her to take on a more active role nationally, using her influence to shape the future of college athletics.

A Turning Point for Women’s Sports

Mulkey’s decision comes at a pivotal moment for women’s basketball. Interest in the sport is at an all-time high, with TV ratings, social media engagement, and ticket sales soaring.

The NBA’s pursuit of Mulkey—while bold—also underscored just how valuable college women’s basketball coaches have become. For decades, male coaches made the leap to the NBA or took lucrative endorsement deals. Now, top-tier women’s coaches are commanding that same attention and value.

“This wasn’t just about Kim Mulkey,” said ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo. “This was a moment for the entire sport. It shows how far we’ve come—and how much further we can go.”

Final Thoughts

By saying no to the NBA and yes to LSU, Kim Mulkey didn’t just make a career decision—she made a statement.

She reminded the world that women’s college basketball isn’t a feeder system. It’s not a stepping stone. It’s a destination.

She reminded her players, her staff, and her fans that loyalty still matters—and that building something from scratch is more rewarding than inheriting greatness.

And most of all, she showed that the value of legacy can’t always be measured in millions.