After admitting to some frustrations as she deals with life in the NIL era, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey made a surprise retirement admission as she lost a key transfer battle to Geno Auriemma
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey addressed what is keeping her from retiring as she discussed the challenges of operating in the NIL era – after losing a key transfer battle to Geno Auriemma.
The 62-year-old veteran has been a vocal critic of the controversial transfer portal, and recently saw Wisconsin forward Serah Williams decide to join UConn. Essentially opting to join Auriemma over Mulkey, the move came after the player even attended a dinner during her visit to Baton Rouge and she recently explained the reasons for her choice.
The transfer portal has thrown up a host of issues for Mulkey to contend with in recent times as the Tigers lost six players – alongside another to the WNBA in the form of Aneesah Morrow. As a result of these departures, LSU has moved to bring in Kate Koval, Amiya Joyner and MiLaysia Fulwiley, the latter moving from South Carolina with Dawn Staley telling Mulkey all she needs to know.
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Now, Mulkey has given her verdict on the current state of play in the women’s college game, as she discussed how the landscape has changed after the rise of rise of name, image and likeness (NIL) deals. Explaining how this has added another dimension to recruiting players, she gave an impassioned statement at a recent luncheon.
According to The Advocate’s Jan Risher, she made a telling remark as she confessed that events like the luncheon in question were helping to “keep me from retiring”.
Explaining the state of play, she said: “I want to educate you in a way where you understand what’s going on, LSU takes care of me, OK? Our coaches are well paid, I’m well paid. But this NIL, here’s the deal … .”
“For all of us in athletics, we’ve got to pull for football, and we’ve got to pull for men’s basketball because the NCAA Tournament is where the men in basketball get the money and we reap it. When we get to the College Football Playoffs, we reap it.”
Giving her perspective on how the game is still not as lucrative for programs as fans may believe, she said: “Even though you win national championships and you get to the tournament, there’s no dollar value from TV that they’re paying the same way they do for the men.”
She also allowed some insight into what life has been like for her in recent times as a leading LSU figure in relation to the transfer portal. Explaining the financial demands which have sprung up for programs in the wake of the NIL era, she added: “Some kids can be $400,000. Some kids can be $500 grand.”
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The Tigers head coach will still be reeling after the aforementioned Williams decided against a transfer to LSU, instead committing her future to rivals UConn. Confirming her decision on social media, the forward wrote: “Genesis 28:15 “Yes. I’ll stay with you, I’ll protect you wherever you go.” Go Huskiess.”
Her experience of the transfer portal has not all been negative, though, as she waxed lyrical about being able to welcome Fulwiley from South Carolina recently.
Mulkey said of her new recruit: “She’s bringing her incredible playmaking ability to Baton Rouge, standing out as one of the most electrifying talents in college basketball.
“Her ability to impact winning has been clear throughout her career, and we can’t wait to see her shine in purple and gold at the PMAC soon!”