What is Kim Mulkey's salary in 2024?

Publish date: 2024-08-05

In 2021, Kim Mulkey made headlines by leaving Baylor, where she had spent 21 seasons and won three national titles, to become the head coach of LSU's women's basketball team.

Since then, her coaching career at LSU has been marked by significant achievements, including leading the team to their first NCAA championship in program history.

Alongside these accomplishments, Mulkey's salary has also garnered attention, with her latest contract making her the highest-paid coach in women's college basketball in 2024.

The Breakdown of Kim Mulkey's Salary

Kim Mulkey's total salary at LSU for the year 2024 is an impressive $3.264 million. This substantial figure has placed her at the top of the list of the highest-paid coaches in women's college basketball for this season.

Her salary is part of a new 10-year contract that she signed following LSU's national championship win. The contract stipulates that by the end of it, Mulkey is scheduled to make $3.65 million by 2032-33.

This new deal represents an upgrade from the eight-year, $23.6 million contract she initially signed with LSU in 2021, keeping her locked in with the Tigers for four additional years.

Comparative Analysis of Coaching Salaries

Kim Mulkey's salary of $3.264 million at LSU makes her the highest-paid coach in women's college basketball for the 2024 season, surpassing the compensations received by other renowned coaches in the sport.

UConn's Geno Auriemma and South Carolina's Dawn Staley are right behind Mulkey in compensation, both making $3.1 million this season.

This places Mulkey at the forefront of women's college basketball coaching salaries, reflecting her high standing in the sport.

Controversies and Contract Terms

Mulkey's coaching career has not been without controversy, with her tenure at Baylor being marked by several contentious incidents.

Despite her success, such controversies have been part of her journey. Notably, her 10-year, $36 million agreement with LSU allows for the contract to be voided for a flat fee of only $2 million, indicating the relative ease with which the school can terminate the agreement.

Also, if Mulkey quits at any point, the contract stipulates that she would owe the school the same flat fee of $2 million.

Analysis of the Salary Structure

Mulkey's average annual salary is $3.6 million, with the deal slightly backloaded, entailing higher salaries toward the end.

While her current salary places her at the top of women's college basketball coaching earnings, it's notable that more than two dozen NCAA men's basketball coaches make more than her $3.6 million annual salary.

Although, as the women's game gains in popularity and revenue for the sport increases, it's expected that the efforts of the nation's best coaches will begin to pay off even more in the future.

The Significance of Kim Mulkey's Salary

Kim Mulkey's salary as the highest-paid coach in NCAA women's basketball underlines the value placed on her track record of winning.

With a career winning percentage of .861, Mulkey's coaching prowess is evident from her impressive record.

Kim Mulkey's salary this year as the highest-paid coach in women's college basketball is a testament to her remarkable coaching career and the value she brings to LSU's women's basketball program.

Despite controversies and the relatively backloaded nature of her contract, Mulkey's salary reflects the recognition of her exceptional coaching abilities and the impact she has had on the sport.

Kim Mulkey's salary in 2024 signifies her standing as a prominent figure in women's college basketball, and the value placed on her coaching expertise and achievements.