ESPN REPORT: Kim Mulkey Stuns College Basketball World, Rejects $20.5M NBA Offer to Stay with LSU
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball landscape, LSU Tigers women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey has reportedly turned down a massive $20.5 million coaching offer from an unnamed NBA franchise in Tennessee, with interest also said to have come from Notre Dame. Despite intense speculation surrounding her future, Mulkey has reaffirmed her commitment to LSU, silencing rumors and reinforcing her loyalty to the program she helped elevate to national prominence.
Sources close to the situation reveal that the Tennessee-based NBA team aggressively pursued Mulkey, offering her what would have been a historic deal for a female coach transitioning to the professional ranks. Additionally, college powerhouse Notre Dame made a strong push to lure her away with a long-term offer that included extensive program control and incentives. Still, Mulkey made her decision clear.
“I have no plans beyond being the LSU women’s basketball head coach,” Mulkey stated in a press release on Monday. “This is home. I came to LSU to build something special for Louisiana, and that mission is far from over.”
Mulkey’s tenure at LSU has been nothing short of spectacular. Since taking the helm in 2021, she has revitalized the program, leading the Tigers to an NCAA championship in just her second season. Known for her fiery demeanor, impeccable recruiting, and tactical prowess, Mulkey has quickly become one of the most influential figures in women’s college basketball.
Her decision to stay comes at a time when women’s basketball is gaining unprecedented national attention and growth in viewership. Analysts suggest that her commitment to the collegiate game will continue to boost LSU’s recruiting efforts and fan engagement for years to come.
Many see Mulkey’s rejection of the lucrative NBA and collegiate offers as a defining moment—not just for LSU, but for the sport as a whole. “She’s sending a message,” said an anonymous SEC coach. “That college women’s basketball is worth staying in, fighting for, and leading into the future.”
With her eyes set firmly on another championship, Mulkey and LSU now look ahead to the upcoming season with renewed focus and momentum. For LSU fans, the message is clear: Kim Mulkey is here to stay, and the Tigers are still on the hunt for greatness.
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