Baton Rouge, LA — May 19, 2025 In a bold and unprecedented move that is reverberating across the sports world, LSU women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey has returned $2 million from her own salary back to the university’s women’s basketball program. Alongside that stunning act of generosity, Mulkey also announced a personal pledge of $750,000 to support community-based initiatives in Baton Rouge and across Louisiana, with a strong focus on empowering youth, women, and underserved families.
The announcement, made Monday morning at a press conference held at LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center, was met with thunderous applause and visible emotion from athletes, students, university officials, and local community leaders. It marks one of the most significant philanthropic gestures by a college coach in recent memory and underscores Mulkey’s deep commitment to both her program and the people of Louisiana.
“I’ve always believed that leadership isn’t just about winning games—it’s about making a lasting impact where it matters most,” Mulkey said, standing beside members of her coaching staff and several players. “LSU has given me so much. It’s time I gave back—not just to our program, but to the communities that support us every step of the way.”
Mulkey, who signed a lucrative contract extension in 2023 reportedly worth over $3 million annually, has led the Tigers to national prominence, including a national championship and multiple Final Four appearances. But her gesture Monday wasn’t about accolades. It was about creating lasting infrastructure and opportunity.
According to LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward, the $2 million returned by Mulkey will be re-invested into the women’s basketball program to upgrade facilities, expand player development resources, and fund scholarships. A portion will also be allocated to mental health services and academic support for student-athletes.
“This is a transformational moment,” Woodward said. “Coach Mulkey isn’t just building a winning team—she’s building a culture of generosity, service, and purpose. What she’s done today sets a new standard for what it means to be a leader in college athletics.”
In addition to the funds returned to LSU, the $750,000 community pledge will be distributed over a five-year period through the newly formed “Kim Mulkey Empowerment Fund.” According to Mulkey, the fund will prioritize initiatives in education, youth sports, women’s leadership training, and food security. Early beneficiaries include the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition, Southern University’s Women in Leadership program, and the Capital Area United Way.
“This isn’t about handouts,” Mulkey explained. “It’s about creating pipelines of hope, opportunity, and empowerment—especially for our girls and young women. Every kid deserves the chance to dream big, and every family deserves the support they need to thrive.”
The reaction from the women’s basketball team was one of pride and admiration. Junior forward Aniyah Smith called it “a blessing to have a coach who puts us—and our community—first.”
“She’s always been about more than basketball,” Smith said. “This just proves it.”
Mulkey’s bold move also sparked reactions beyond the LSU campus. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley praised her longtime rival and peer on social media, writing, “Kim’s heart for the game is matched only by her heart for the people. This is what leadership looks like.”
University President William F. Tate IV called the act “historic,” noting that it aligns with LSU’s broader mission of community engagement and public service. “Coach Mulkey has not only elevated our program—she’s elevated our entire university,” Tate said.
While there are no official expectations for other coaches or programs to follow suit, Mulkey’s actions have set a precedent that may inspire others in collegiate sports to think beyond contracts and championships.
As for Mulkey, she says the move is simply about gratitude and purpose.
“I don’t need all that money to feel successful,” she said with a smile. “I need to know I made a difference.”
With LSU now poised to benefit both on and off the court from her generosity, it’s clear that Kim Mulkey’s legacy is about much more than basketball. It’s about building something that lasts—something bigger than herself.
