KIM MULKEY TO THE WNBA: LSU LEGEND SIGNS $40M DEAL WITH CHICAGO SKY IN STUNNING CAREER SHIFT
In a bombshell that sent shockwaves through the basketball world, Kim Mulkey, the iconic head coach of LSU women’s basketball and a Hall of Fame legend, has officially signed a $40 million, four-year deal to become the head coach and President of Basketball Operations for the Chicago Sky. The move, confirmed by the franchise early this morning, marks the first time a high-profile college coach of Mulkey’s stature has made the leap directly to the WNBA with such sweeping authority.
“It was time to dominate the pros,” Mulkey declared in a press conference at Wintrust Arena, clad in a glittering, Chicago-themed pantsuit. “I’ve built dynasties. Baylor. LSU. Now I’m ready to bring a WNBA championship to this city.”
Mulkey, 62, is no stranger to success. A three-time NCAA championship coach and one of the fiercest figures in collegiate basketball, she most recently led LSU to a national title in 2023. Known for her unapologetic passion, dramatic courtside fashion, and relentless coaching style, Mulkey has built a reputation as both a genius strategist and polarizing public figure.
Her move to the professional ranks comes at a transformative moment for women’s basketball. The WNBA is riding a wave of surging popularity, bolstered by stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese (Mulkey’s former LSU standout), and A’ja Wilson. Mulkey’s arrival injects even more heat into an already charged league.
The $40 million package is believed to include both coaching salary and executive privileges—making her one of the highest-paid figures in women’s sports. According to league sources, Mulkey will have full control over player personnel decisions and the Sky’s future draft strategies.
“This is more than just about winning games,” said Sky General Manager Elizabeth Rivera. “It’s about culture, credibility, and capturing the attention of the basketball world. Kim brings all of that.”
Reactions have been intense. LSU players took to social media to express shock, gratitude, and admiration. “Coach Mulkey believed in us when the world didn’t,” tweeted Flau’jae Johnson. “She changed our lives. She’ll do the same in Chicago.”
Some critics, however, question whether Mulkey’s hard-nosed, no-nonsense style will translate to the pros, where players wield more autonomy and leverage. But Mulkey, as always, dismissed the doubts.
“I don’t follow paths—I carve them,” she said, flashing her signature fierce smile.
The Sky, currently rebuilding with a young core, including Reese, have struggled to maintain consistency in recent seasons. Mulkey’s presence not only reunites her with her college star but may also spark a renaissance in Chicago basketball.
With a new era dawning, the WNBA just got a whole lot louder—and a whole lot more Mulkey.
