Kim Mulkey, the larger-than-life figure who has built a reputation as one of the most passionate, outspoken, and successful coaches in women’s college basketball, has reportedly been offered a contract to coach in the professional ranks. The development, which could shake the foundation of the college game, represents both a potential shift in the landscape of women’s basketball and a massive endorsement of Mulkey’s unparalleled résumé.
According to multiple sources close to the situation, Mulkey—currently the head coach at LSU and a three-time national champion—has been approached with a substantial offer from a professional organization. While details of the contract have not yet been made public, insiders suggest that it includes significant financial incentives, full control over basketball operations, and a long-term vision aimed at reshaping a franchise around her dynamic personality and proven leadership.
Mulkey, 62, has yet to publicly confirm or deny the offer, and neither the LSU athletic department nor the professional team in question has commented. Still, the rumor has sparked waves of speculation across the basketball world. Could one of the most decorated coaches in NCAA history be on the verge of a seismic leap?
The timing of the offer comes at an interesting moment for Mulkey, who recently guided LSU to a deep postseason run, continuing to solidify the program’s resurgence since her arrival in 2021. Under her leadership, the Lady Tigers quickly returned to national prominence, highlighted by their national championship victory in 2023—her fourth overall and LSU’s first. That win not only cemented Mulkey’s status as one of the sport’s greatest coaches but also demonstrated her unique ability to transform programs with speed and flair.
From her days as a point guard on Louisiana Tech’s championship team to becoming the only person in NCAA history to win national titles as a player, assistant coach, and head coach, Mulkey has never been afraid of challenges. The question now is whether she views the professional ranks as the next logical mountain to climb.
This isn’t the first time that professional opportunities have reportedly come Mulkey’s way. Over the years, WNBA teams and even international organizations have expressed interest, but she has remained fiercely loyal to the college game, where she built a legacy first at Baylor and now at LSU. However, sources say this latest offer is different—more aggressive, more compelling, and potentially too good to pass up.
The professional team making the offer has not been officially named, but speculation is rampant that it could be one of the WNBA’s storied franchises looking to reestablish dominance. With the league gaining popularity and viewership at an all-time high, the addition of a coach like Mulkey would be headline-grabbing in every sense.
Mulkey’s potential move also raises deeper questions about the current state of women’s college basketball. In recent years, the landscape has shifted dramatically due to the introduction of NIL deals, the transfer portal, and the growing commercialization of the sport. Some believe these developments have made the college game more complicated, especially for coaches who are used to building programs over the long haul rather than year-to-year.
While Mulkey has adapted to the new realities better than many of her peers, it’s no secret that she has at times voiced frustration with the evolving environment. A move to the professional ranks could offer a different kind of control—less recruiting, fewer outside distractions, and more focus on pure basketball. That may appeal to someone with Mulkey’s competitive drive and love for the game.
Financially, the offer is believed to be one of the most lucrative ever presented to a women’s basketball coach, rivaling top WNBA salaries and some NBA assistant contracts. Such an investment signals just how serious the professional organization is about changing its trajectory and building around Mulkey’s championship pedigree.
If she were to accept, Mulkey would bring a unique blend of old-school intensity and modern innovation. Known for her sharp sideline fashion, fiery demeanor, and protective attitude toward her players, Mulkey has always walked the line between controversial and celebrated. Her teams are physical, disciplined, and often reflect her own personality—confident, emotional, and relentless.
Beyond her tactics and wins, Mulkey has also become one of the most recognizable faces in all of women’s sports. Her impact stretches far beyond the court. She’s been a lightning rod for debate, a hero to her fanbase, and a role model to generations of aspiring coaches and athletes. A move to the professional level would only elevate her profile and perhaps challenge her in ways she hasn’t experienced in decades.
LSU fans, understandably, are anxious. After losing football coach Brian Kelly to unexpected scandal earlier in the year, the possibility of another high-profile departure would be a significant emotional and strategic blow. Mulkey is more than just a coach in Baton Rouge; she’s become a symbol of swagger and success, a rallying point for the program’s broader ambitions.
Still, some within LSU’s inner circle are reportedly confident she will stay, citing her deep Louisiana roots and the massive resources the school has invested in the women’s basketball program. Mulkey is known for her loyalty and her deep love for her home state. It’s hard to imagine her leaving LSU without a fight from university leadership.
Sources close to Mulkey say she is weighing her options carefully and has not made any final decisions. She is known to value loyalty, family, and legacy, and any potential move would not be made lightly. Those who know her well describe her as both fiercely competitive and deeply spiritual—two qualities that will no doubt guide her decision-making process.
Another layer to this story is what Mulkey’s potential departure would mean for the women’s college basketball coaching carousel. Her absence would create a vacuum at LSU and ripple through the SEC and beyond. Every major program would reevaluate its position, and aspiring coaches would circle Baton Rouge like sharks sensing blood in the water.
Yet, from another perspective, her move could be a boon for the sport as a whole. Women’s basketball, both at the college and professional levels, is in the midst of a historic growth period. Stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and JuJu Watkins are redefining what it means to be a women’s basketball superstar. Adding Kim Mulkey to the WNBA or another professional league could be a tipping point in the elevation of coaching visibility and credibility in the professional game.
It also opens up broader conversations about how to keep the brightest coaching minds in the college game. As the professional leagues continue to mature and offer more competitive compensation, college athletic departments may need to rethink how they retain their most valuable assets.
For now, the basketball world waits with bated breath. Will Mulkey take the leap and pursue the one challenge that has eluded her—conquering the professional game? Or will she reaffirm her commitment to the college game and continue her quest for more titles at LSU?
One thing is certain: whatever Kim Mulkey decides will have major implications. She is a program-changer, a headline-maker, and a culture-definer. Offers come and go in the sports world, but few carry the weight of this one. Whether she stays or goes, the spotlight will follow—and in true Kim Mulkey fashion, she’ll meet it head-on, unapologetically and unforgettably.
