CONGRATS: LSU women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey has secured a 10-year, $36 million contract extension, making her the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball history….

In a landmark decision, LSU women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey has secured a 10-year, $36 million contract extension, making her the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball history. citeturn0search0 This agreement underscores LSU’s commitment to sustaining excellence in its women’s basketball program.

Mulkey’s new contract, approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors, includes an annual base salary of $400,000, supplemented by additional income that starts at $2.75 million for the upcoming season, totaling $3.15 million. This figure is set to escalate annually, reaching $4.05 million by the 2032-33 season. citeturn0search3 This extension surpasses the earnings of prominent coaches like South Carolina’s Dawn Staley and UConn’s Geno Auriemma, both of whom were scheduled to receive $3.1 million this season.

The decision to enhance Mulkey’s contract comes on the heels of her remarkable success with the Tigers. Since her arrival in 2021, she has transformed the program, leading LSU to a national championship victory in April 2023 with a 102-85 win over Iowa. Under her leadership, the team achieved a stellar 34-2 record that season. citeturn0search0 This triumph not only marked LSU’s first national title in women’s basketball but also solidified Mulkey’s legacy, adding to the three national championships she previously secured during her tenure at Baylor.

Mulkey’s impact extends beyond the court. Her tenure has revitalized fan engagement, with the Tigers averaging 8,733 attendees per game last season. This surge in support has led to a 94% season ticket renewal rate and an influx of 11,500 new ticket requests. To accommodate this heightened demand, the university has approved an increase in ticket prices for women’s basketball games, ranging from $25 to $75 for general admission. citeturn0search0 These developments are expected to bolster the program’s revenue, offsetting the costs associated with Mulkey’s enhanced contract.

The financial commitment to Mulkey reflects a broader trend in women’s sports, where successful programs are recognized for their potential to generate significant economic returns. LSU’s investment is anticipated to yield substantial benefits, both in terms of athletic performance and financial growth. As analyst Debbie Antonelli noted, institutions are increasingly viewing women’s basketball as a revenue-generating sport, with coaches like Mulkey at the forefront of this evolution.

Looking ahead, the Tigers are poised for continued success. The team returns three starters from their championship roster, including All-American Angel Reese and SEC Freshman of the Year Flau’jae Johnson. Additionally, Mulkey has secured the nation’s top recruiting class and added standout transfers Hailey Van Lith from Louisville and Aneesah Morrow from DePaul. citeturn0search0 These strategic acquisitions position LSU as a formidable contender in the upcoming seasons.

In recognition of the collective efforts behind the team’s success, the LSU Board of Supervisors also approved contract extensions and pay raises for assistant coaches Bob Starkey and Gary Redus II. Starkey’s contract now extends through the 2025-26 season with a total value of $1.03 million, while Redus’ contract has been extended by two years, with his salary increasing to $275,000 this year and $305,000 in its final year in June 2025.

Mulkey’s historic contract not only rewards her past achievements but also signifies LSU’s dedication to the future of its women’s basketball program. By investing in top-tier coaching and talent, the university aims to sustain its competitive edge and continue its tradition of excellence in women’s sports.