In a testament to her remarkable achievements and lasting impact on the LSU community, Louisiana State University has announced a groundbreaking \$87.2 million investment to construct a state-of-the-art basketball stadium named in honor of head coach Kim Mulkey. The announcement, which has already sent ripples through the world of college athletics, underscores the university’s commitment not only to excellence in women’s sports but also to cementing Mulkey’s legacy as one of the most transformative figures in LSU history.
The decision comes in the wake of Mulkey leading the LSU women’s basketball team to its first-ever NCAA national championship in 2023—a historic victory that elevated the program to national prominence, shattered viewership records, and ignited a passionate wave of fan support unlike anything previously seen in the program’s history. With that championship, Mulkey joined a rare class of coaches to have won titles at multiple schools, having already captured three national championships during her time at Baylor. Her championship in Baton Rouge was not only a personal achievement but also a cultural moment for the university, the state of Louisiana, and the future of women’s basketball.
The planned facility—temporarily referred to as the Kim Mulkey Center until an official name is selected—is projected to be one of the most advanced basketball-specific arenas in the country. It will serve as the new home for the LSU women’s basketball program and is designed to accommodate 12,000 spectators. The arena will also include luxury suites, state-of-the-art training and recovery rooms, interactive fan experiences, a Hall of Champions museum, and an on-campus NIL hub to support the growing commercial opportunities available to student-athletes.
University officials made the announcement during a campus-wide event attended by thousands of students, alumni, and fans, with Mulkey herself taking the stage to an extended standing ovation. “This honor is beyond anything I ever imagined,” Mulkey said in her address. “Coaching has never been about statues or buildings for me—it’s been about people, about players, and about building something that lasts. But to know that the work we’ve done together will be part of LSU’s future in this way—it’s humbling.”
The project, which will be funded through a combination of private donations, corporate sponsorships, and a newly launched capital campaign called “Build the Legacy,” is expected to break ground in early 2026, with a target completion date of late 2028. According to LSU President William F. Tate IV, the facility is more than just a tribute to Mulkey—it is a statement of LSU’s values. “We are not just investing in concrete and steel,” Tate said. “We are investing in our student-athletes, our community, and the championship legacy that Kim Mulkey has brought to LSU.”
Since Mulkey’s arrival in 2021, the women’s basketball program has seen exponential growth in ticket sales, merchandise, media coverage, and national visibility. The team’s 2023 championship game against Iowa drew a record-breaking 9.9 million viewers, the most ever for a women’s college basketball game. That level of exposure has translated into increased donor interest and unprecedented levels of student and fan engagement.
LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward, who orchestrated the hiring of Mulkey from Baylor, called the arena project a “once-in-a-generation investment.” “When Kim came here, she told us she wanted to win championships—and she did it faster than anyone could’ve imagined,” Woodward said. “But what she really gave us is belief. Belief that LSU women’s basketball could be the best in the nation. This facility ensures that belief has a permanent home.”
The new stadium will be built adjacent to the current Pete Maravich Assembly Center (PMAC), which has served as the home of LSU basketball since 1972. While the PMAC has a rich history and has hosted countless memorable moments, university leaders believe the time has come for a modern, dedicated facility that matches the program’s national stature. The existing arena will continue to be used for volleyball and other athletic events, while the Kim Mulkey Center will represent the next chapter in LSU’s commitment to elite women’s sports.
Perhaps most notably, the stadium will house a new Hall of Champions dedicated to the history of LSU women’s basketball, with a significant portion of the exhibit honoring Mulkey’s achievements both at LSU and throughout her career. Interactive displays, archival footage, and rotating exhibits will give fans and students a comprehensive look at how the program evolved from its early days into the national force it is today.
The facility will also incorporate technology to support athlete performance and development. Plans include cryotherapy chambers, hydrotherapy pools, motion-capture shooting facilities, a nutrition lab, and even a fully equipped NIL media production studio where players can record content, film commercials, and manage their personal brands. LSU’s commitment to NIL integration in athletic infrastructure reflects the modern demands of collegiate sports, where personal brand development is increasingly part of the athlete experience.
Already, some of the top high school recruits in the country have publicly commented on the announcement, with several top-10 players in the classes of 2026 and 2027 expressing renewed interest in LSU. Mulkey’s ability to attract top-tier talent—combined with the promise of a world-class facility—positions LSU as perhaps the most desirable destination in women’s college basketball for years to come.
Beyond the recruiting implications, the impact of the arena will be felt across the broader Baton Rouge community. Local business leaders have lauded the project for its potential to generate jobs, tourism, and increased economic activity on game days. Restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets surrounding the LSU campus are already preparing for the boost in business once the facility opens. According to an early estimate from the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, the arena could bring in more than \$25 million annually in direct and indirect economic impact.
Despite all the excitement, Mulkey remains grounded. “The building is amazing. It’s beautiful. But you know what matters to me?” she said during her speech. “It’s the people who are going to fill those seats. It’s the little girls in the stands dreaming about wearing purple and gold. It’s the players who will walk through those doors ready to work, ready to win. That’s what makes it special.”
Indeed, the vision for the Kim Mulkey Center extends far beyond bricks and mortar. It’s about the culture Mulkey has built: a winning mindset, fierce loyalty, unapologetic ambition, and a deep love for the game. That culture has inspired a fan base, redefined the LSU brand, and reshaped the national narrative around women’s sports.
The construction of a facility in her name while still actively coaching is rare in collegiate athletics—a reflection of how swiftly and thoroughly Mulkey has changed the trajectory of the program. Only a few coaches in any sport reach that level of influence, and even fewer achieve it in such a short span.
The support from alumni and donors has already been overwhelming. Several prominent LSU benefactors, including former athletes and national business leaders, have pledged contributions. A \$15 million lead gift from the Shaw Family Foundation was announced during the launch event, with many more expected to follow in the months ahead.
For now, Kim Mulkey remains focused on the present. “We’ve still got games to win,” she said, drawing a raucous cheer from the crowd. “And I plan to coach in that building, don’t you worry. We’re going to fill it up with banners, with memories, and with greatness.”
With an \$87.2 million facility on the horizon, a roster loaded with talent, and a fanbase more energized than ever, the future of LSU women’s basketball looks not just bright—it looks historic. And at the heart of it all is Kim Mulkey, the coach who came home to Louisiana and turned dreams into trophies, and trophies into legacies. Now, she’ll have a permanent home on campus to match the mark she’s left on the court.
