Kim Mulkey, the fiery, unapologetically passionate head coach who has transformed LSU women’s basketball into a national powerhouse, is now officially the highest-paid coach in the sport’s history. In a groundbreaking move that cements both her legacy and LSU’s commitment to dominance, Mulkey has agreed to a monumental 10-year, \$36 million contract extension that will keep her in Baton Rouge through 2033. The deal is a resounding statement—not just of Mulkey’s unparalleled coaching acumen, but of LSU’s vision for the future of women’s basketball.
Mulkey will earn \$3.15 million in her first year under the new deal, and that number will rise incrementally to \$4.05 million by the final year of the contract. These figures are not only unprecedented for a women’s basketball coach but place her compensation squarely in the realm of top NCAA men’s basketball coaches. The message is clear: LSU believes in Mulkey, and they are putting their money where their mouth is.
Since arriving at LSU in 2021, Mulkey has transformed the program into a juggernaut. In just her second season, she led the Tigers to a national championship—the program’s first—forever etching her name into LSU lore. That victory wasn’t just a milestone; it was a turning point, catapulting LSU into a new echelon of visibility, competitiveness, and recruiting power. The national title also proved that Mulkey could replicate her winning ways from Baylor, where she had already won three NCAA championships, in a completely different environment.
What Mulkey brings to LSU transcends wins and losses. Her presence has created a cultural shift. She’s injected swagger, toughness, and personality into a program that had long yearned for national relevance. Her sideline intensity, bold fashion statements, and direct manner with the media have made her one of the most recognizable faces in college basketball—men’s or women’s. But beyond the flamboyance lies a coach with an unmatched strategic mind, a tireless work ethic, and a deep ability to connect with her players. The contract extension acknowledges all of that and more.
The financial terms of the deal underscore the rising tide of women’s sports and the importance of investing in marquee programs. While \$36 million over 10 years might still trail the blockbuster contracts in college football or men’s basketball, it is a massive step forward for the women’s game. Mulkey’s contract surpasses previous highs set by coaches like South Carolina’s Dawn Staley and UConn’s Geno Auriemma. It’s a trailblazing agreement that will undoubtedly have ripple effects across the NCAA and likely inspire other universities to up the ante for elite coaches.
Mulkey’s new deal includes not only base compensation but performance incentives and program-enhancing bonuses that make it highly competitive across all college athletics. She will receive escalators tied to achievements such as NCAA Tournament appearances, Final Four berths, conference championships, and academic benchmarks for her team. Additionally, the contract includes private jet use for recruiting, elite staffing resources, and program-specific facility improvements—all pointing to a holistic commitment to excellence.
When Mulkey took the job at LSU, many questioned whether her hard-nosed, no-nonsense style would fit in a program that hadn’t seen national relevance in years. She quieted those doubts almost immediately. In her first season, she guided the team to a 26–6 record, a remarkable turnaround that reenergized a fanbase and set the tone for what was to come. Her impact wasn’t just felt on the court. Attendance soared. Merchandising spiked. Social media engagement exploded. Recruits took notice. The program didn’t just win—it resonated.
In the 2022–23 season, everything clicked. Mulkey, alongside dynamic stars like Angel Reese, Flau’jae Johnson, and Alexis Morris, led LSU to a stunning run through the NCAA Tournament, culminating in a national championship win over Caitlin Clark and Iowa. The Tigers averaged over 80 points per game, blending bruising defense with transition scoring and relentless rebounding. Mulkey’s signature intensity was evident at every turn, and her players mirrored her tenacity. That championship run solidified her position as one of the greatest coaches the sport has ever seen.
Her influence off the court is equally important. Mulkey has become a magnetic figure in LSU’s athletic ecosystem, rivaling the visibility of even the most prominent football figures. Her presence at university events, bold public statements, and emotional vulnerability have endeared her to many and made her a lightning rod for others. But love her or not, no one can deny the results. Winning follows her. Excellence follows her. And now, compensation that matches her worth follows her as well.
LSU’s athletic department has made it clear that this deal isn’t just about one coach—it’s about the broader vision of LSU women’s basketball becoming a flagship brand in collegiate athletics. Athletic Director Scott Woodward, known for making bold hires and aggressive contract moves, called the extension a “historic moment” and said it represents LSU’s commitment to “the highest standards of leadership and success.” He also lauded Mulkey for her ability to build a culture rooted in accountability, ambition, and resilience—values that extend far beyond the hardwood.
The timing of the extension comes as the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve rapidly. NIL deals, transfer portal chaos, conference realignment, and growing media exposure have changed the calculus of what it takes to build and sustain an elite program. Coaches must be part-recruiter, part-CEO, part-psychologist. Very few are equipped to handle all of those demands—and even fewer can thrive in them. Mulkey is one of the rare exceptions, and LSU’s decision to reward her accordingly signals a recognition of that multi-dimensional leadership.
Mulkey’s tenure has also raised the profile of women’s basketball more broadly. Her battles with other titans like Geno Auriemma, Dawn Staley, and Vic Schaefer have become marquee events on the college basketball calendar. Television ratings have surged for LSU games. Social media engagement is through the roof. ESPN’s coverage of women’s basketball has never been more robust. In a sport long overshadowed by its male counterpart, Mulkey is one of the faces ushering in a new era of parity in attention and respect.
Of course, not everything has come without controversy. Mulkey’s outspoken style and willingness to ruffle feathers have occasionally drawn criticism. Her handling of certain player situations, political comments, and media spats have sometimes generated headlines for the wrong reasons. But in many ways, that’s also part of what makes her so compelling. She is unfiltered. She is unapologetically herself. And in a landscape increasingly dominated by carefully crafted public personas, Mulkey’s authenticity—however polarizing—feels refreshingly real.
What’s next for Mulkey and LSU? Expectations will remain sky-high. Anything short of a Final Four run is likely to be viewed as a disappointment. The Tigers continue to recruit at an elite level, routinely landing McDonald’s All-Americans and transferring top-tier talent from other programs. Facilities are being upgraded. Branding initiatives are expanding. LSU’s partnership with Mulkey is not just about basketball—it’s about building a dynasty that influences culture, drives business, and inspires generations of fans and players.
There’s also an added sense of personal mission for Mulkey. A Louisiana native, she came home when she accepted the LSU job. She’s made no secret about how much coaching in her home state means to her. This contract extension is, in many ways, the culmination of a lifelong dream—and a deep commitment to bringing sustained excellence to a region that helped raise her. For Mulkey, this is more than a professional victory. It’s personal. It’s legacy-defining.
In the end, the \$36 million isn’t just a number. It’s a symbol. A symbol of what Mulkey has built. A symbol of what LSU believes women’s basketball can be. And a symbol of what happens when ambition meets execution. As college athletics continues to change in unprecedented ways, deals like this set the tone. They challenge norms. They create new standards. And they ensure that trailblazers like Kim Mulkey aren’t just remembered for the titles they win, but for the doors they open.
In the coming years, Mulkey’s story at LSU will continue to evolve. There will be more challenges, more triumphs, and perhaps more controversy. But with this contract, one thing is certain: the queen of college basketball isn’t going anywhere. LSU has made its bet. And if history is any indication, it’s a very good one.
