KIM MULKEY TO THE WNBA! LSU Legend Shocks College Basketball, Signs $40M Chicago Sky Deal – “It Was Time to Dominate the Pros!.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the world of basketball, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey has officially accepted a revolutionary $40 million deal to join the Chicago Sky, marking one of the most startling migrations from college to the professional ranks in women’s basketball history. The announcement, which came late Tuesday night, has left fans, commentators, and players alike reeling, as one of the game’s most legendary and contentious individuals prepares to take her fiery competitiveness,
Mulkey, who led LSU to a national championship in 2023 and solidified her status as one of the greatest coaches in women’s college basketball history, did not mince words when explaining her decision. “It was time to dominate the pros,” she declared at a press conference, flanked by Chicago Sky executives. “I’ve achieved everything I wanted in college basketball. Now, I want a new challenge—to elevate the WNBA and prove that the same intensity, the same winning mentality, can translate to the next level.”
The deal, reportedly worth $40 million over five years, makes Mulkey one of the highest-paid coaches in WNBA history, a clear signal from the Sky’s ownership that they are serious about building a dynasty. Chicago, which has been on the rise in recent years with stars like Angel Reese (who played under Mulkey at LSU) and Kamilla Cardoso, now adds a coach with three NCAA titles (one at LSU, two at Baylor) and a reputation for turning programs into powerhouses.
One thing is certain: Mulkey’s arrival instantly raises the profile of the Sky—and the WNBA as a whole. Her larger-than-life personality, flashy sideline outfits, and relentless drive to win will bring new eyes to the league, much like her former player, Angel Reese, has done with her own star power. The Chicago Sky, once seen as a rising but under-the-radar team, are now must-watch basketball.
For LSU, the loss is monumental. Mulkey’s departure leaves a gaping hole in a program she revitalized in just three seasons, taking the Tigers from mediocrity to national champions. Athletic director Scott Woodward now faces the daunting task of finding a replacement capable of filling her shoes—no easy feat, given Mulkey’s instant impact on and off the court.
As for Mulkey, the pressure is on. The WNBA is a different beast than college basketball—fewer games, but higher stakes, with veteran players who won’t respond well to micromanagement. Can she adapt? Or will she try to impose her system the same way she did at Baylor and LSU? Only time will tell, but if history is any indication, Kim Mulkey doesn’t back down from a fight.
