Breaking News: LSU Head Coach Kim Mulkey Has Rejected $35 Million To Coach Las Vegas Aces Due To 3 Main Details…
In a stunning turn of events, Louisiana State University (LSU) women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey has reportedly turned down a monumental $35 million offer to take over as head coach of the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces. The decision has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, as Mulkey, one of the most accomplished coaches in the history of the sport, chose to remain in Baton Rouge rather than leap to the professional ranks. Sources close to the situation reveal that three key factors played a decisive role in her rejection of the historic deal: her deep-rooted loyalty to LSU and the collegiate game, concerns over the structure and control within the Aces’ organization, and personal and family considerations that made the move to Las Vegas unappealing.
### **Loyalty to LSU and the College Game**
Kim Mulkey’s connection to LSU and the broader landscape of NCAA women’s basketball runs deep. Since taking over the Tigers’ program in 2021, she has revitalized LSU women’s basketball, leading the team to a national championship in 2023 and establishing the program as a perennial powerhouse. Her fierce competitiveness and dedication to building a legacy at LSU have made her a beloved figure among players, recruits, and fans.
Mulkey has long been a dominant force in college basketball, first as a player at Louisiana Tech, where she won two national titles, and then as a coach at Baylor, where she secured three NCAA championships. Her success has been built on recruiting, player development, and a hands-on coaching style that thrives in the collegiate environment. The WNBA, while prestigious, operates under a different model—one where coaches have less control over roster construction and player movement. Mulkey’s ability to shape a program from the ground up is something she cherishes, and the idea of relinquishing that level of influence was reportedly a major deterrent.
Additionally, Mulkey has been vocal about her passion for mentoring young athletes at the collegiate level. The transition from coaching student-athletes to professional players, whose motivations and career trajectories differ significantly, may not have aligned with her coaching philosophy. For Mulkey, the college game offers a unique opportunity to mold players not just as athletes but as individuals—a dynamic that the pros simply cannot replicate.
### **Concerns Over the Aces’ Organizational Structure**
Another critical factor in Mulkey’s decision was the structure of the Las Vegas Aces’ organization. While the Aces are one of the WNBA’s most successful franchises, having won back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023, the team’s front office dynamics and ownership situation reportedly gave Mulkey pause.
Unlike in college, where a head coach often has significant autonomy over recruiting, player development, and program culture, WNBA coaches must navigate front office decisions, salary cap restrictions, and player contracts—elements that can limit a coach’s control. Mulkey, known for her strong personality and no-nonsense leadership style, prefers an environment where she can dictate the direction of the team without excessive interference. Sources indicate that discussions with the Aces revealed potential disagreements over roster management and organizational hierarchy, leading Mulkey to question whether she would have the same level of authority she enjoys at LSU.
Furthermore, the Aces’ ownership group, led by Mark Davis of the Las Vegas Raiders, has been supportive but also highly involved in basketball operations. While Davis’s commitment to the Aces has been commendable, Mulkey may have been wary of stepping into a situation where ownership’s vision could clash with her own. In contrast, at LSU, she operates with near-complete control, backed by an administration that has given her the resources and freedom to build a championship-caliber program.
### **Personal and Family Considerations**
Beyond professional factors, personal and family considerations played a significant role in Mulkey’s choice to stay at LSU. Mulkey has strong ties to Louisiana, having grown up in Tickfaw and played college basketball in the state. Her family, including her children and grandchildren, are settled in the region, and uprooting them for a move to Las Vegas would have been a major life change.
Mulkey has always prioritized family in her career decisions. When she left Baylor after 21 seasons, it was partly to return closer to her roots in Louisiana. The emotional pull of home, combined with the stability she has established at LSU, made the prospect of relocating to Las Vegas less appealing. Additionally, the demanding travel schedule of the WNBA—with games spanning several months and frequent cross-country trips—could have been a deterrent for someone who values time with loved ones as much as Mulkey does.
There’s also the matter of legacy. At 61 years old, Mulkey may be considering how she wants to cap off her legendary coaching career. Building LSU into a dynasty could cement her status as one of the greatest college coaches of all time, whereas transitioning to the WNBA would come with uncertainties. While the $35 million offer was undeniably lucrative, Mulkey’s decision suggests that money was not the primary motivator—her heart remains in college basketball, where she has already achieved unparalleled success.
### **The Aftermath and What’s Next for Mulkey and the Aces**
Mulkey’s rejection of the Aces’ offer leaves Las Vegas to continue its search for a head coach while solidifying LSU’s position as a dominant force in women’s college basketball. For Mulkey, the focus now shifts to maintaining LSU’s championship trajectory, bolstering recruiting efforts, and further establishing her legacy in Baton Rouge.
As for the Aces, the team will need to regroup and identify another top-tier candidate to lead the franchise. While missing out on Mulkey is a setback, the organization’s strong foundation and talented roster ensure that it will remain a desirable destination for elite coaching talent.
Ultimately, Kim Mulkey’s decision underscores the importance of fit, control, and personal fulfillment in coaching—factors that, for her, outweighed even the most lucrative of offers. In an era where money often dictates career moves, Mulkey’s choice is a reminder that success isn’t solely defined by contracts, but by passion, loyalty, and the ability to build something lasting. For now, the Queen of College Basketball remains right where she belongs—on the throne at LSU.
