Breaking news: Kim Mulkey Stuns College Basketball World, Rejects $20.5 Million NBA Offer to Remain at LSU.

Breaking news: Kim Mulkey Stuns College Basketball World, Rejects $20.5 Million NBA Offer to Remain at LSU.

 

In a move that has sent shockwaves across the college basketball landscape, LSU Tigers women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey has reportedly turned down a stunning $20.5 million offer to coach at the NBA level, reaffirming her commitment to the LSU program. The lucrative deal, rumored to have been floated by a partnership between the Tennessee Volunteers and Notre Dame, would have made Mulkey one of the highest-paid coaches transitioning from the college ranks to the professional level.

 

Despite the massive financial incentive and the prestige of an NBA opportunity, Mulkey made it clear that her heart remains in Baton Rouge.

 

“I have no plans beyond being the LSU women’s basketball head coach,” Mulkey said in a statement released late Thursday night. “LSU is home. This program, this university, and these players mean everything to me. I’m not finished here.”

 

Mulkey’s decision is being hailed by LSU fans and college basketball supporters nationwide as a major win for the women’s game. Since taking over the LSU program in 2021, Mulkey has completely revitalized the team, leading the Tigers to a national championship in 2023 and turning the program into a perennial powerhouse. Her fiery coaching style, championship pedigree, and passionate leadership have made her one of the most influential figures in the sport.

 

The reported offer — backed by representatives linked to both Tennessee and Notre Dame basketball networks, in cooperation with an unnamed NBA franchise — was part of a growing trend of professional leagues seeking top-tier college coaching talent. But Mulkey, a Louisiana native and three-time national champion, has once again proven that legacy and loyalty sometimes outweigh the draw of dollar signs.

 

“This is more than just basketball,” she added. “It’s about building something special, something that lasts beyond one season or one contract.”

 

With Mulkey staying put, LSU remains one of the top contenders heading into next season. Fans can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing the architect of their recent success will continue to lead the Tigers with the same intensity and purpose she’s become known for.

 

In an era of constant change and headline-chasing moves, Kim Mulkey’s decision to stay speaks volumes — not just about her character, but about the growing pride and power of women’s college basketball.