BREAKING: Kim Mulkey Leaves LSU Tigers for Chicago Sky in Record $30M WNBA Mega-Deal – Is This the Biggest Coaching Move Ever?
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, Kim Mulkey, the Hall of Fame coach who led LSU to its first NCAA women’s basketball title in 2023, is reportedly leaving the Tigers to become the head coach of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky. The deal, valued at $30 million, would make Mulkey the highest-paid coach in WNBA history and marks an unprecedented move from college to professional women’s basketball.
Mulkey’s departure from LSU comes less than two years after she signed a record-setting 10-year, $32 million contract extension with the university, making her the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball. During her tenure at LSU, she transformed the program into a national powerhouse, culminating in a championship victory over Iowa in April 2023.
The Chicago Sky’s aggressive pursuit of Mulkey reflects the WNBA’s evolving landscape, where increased investment and a landmark $2.2 billion media rights deal have elevated the league’s profile. Mulkey’s move to the professional ranks is seen as a strategic effort by the Sky to capitalize on this momentum and bring championship pedigree to the franchise.
Mulkey’s coaching career is distinguished by her remarkable success at both Baylor and LSU, amassing a combined record of 723 wins against 117 losses, and securing four national championships. Her transition to the WNBA is not only a significant personal milestone but also a potential catalyst for further integration between collegiate and professional women’s basketball.
The move also reunites Mulkey with former LSU star Angel Reese, who was drafted by the Chicago Sky and is currently making waves in her rookie season. Their close relationship, characterized by mutual respect and fiery competitiveness, was evident during a heartfelt reunion at a Sky-Mystics game in June 2024.
Mulkey’s decision to leave LSU for the WNBA raises questions about the future of the Tigers’ program and the broader implications for women’s college basketball. Her departure underscores the increasing allure of the professional game, where financial incentives and the opportunity to shape the league’s future are becoming more compelling for top coaching talent.
As the WNBA continues to grow in stature and financial viability, Mulkey’s move may signal a new era of coaching dynamics, where the lines between college and professional basketball are increasingly blurred. Her success with the Chicago Sky could pave the way for other high-profile college coaches to consider similar transitions, further enriching the talent pool and competitiveness of the league.
In summary, Kim Mulkey’s reported $30 million deal with the Chicago Sky represents a landmark moment in women’s basketball, reflecting the sport’s rapid evolution and the growing opportunities within the WNBA. Her move is poised to have far-reaching effects on both the collegiate and professional landscapes, heralding a new chapter in the game’s development.
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