Kim Mulkey has made history in women’s basketball—not just on the court but in her bank account.
As one of the highest-paid coaches in the sport, her financial success continues to make headlines. But how much does she actually earn?
What are the details of her LSU contract? And how does her salary compare to other top coaches? Keep reading as Pennbook breaks down Kim Mulkey net worth, salary, and financial success.
Kim Mulkey Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Kimberly Duane Mulkey |
| Popular Name | Kim Mulkey |
| Birth Date | May 17, 1962 |
| Age (As of 03/25/2025) | 62 years old |
| Birthplace | Santa Ana, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | Louisiana Tech University |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Randy Robertson (div. 2006) |
| Children | Kramer Robertson, Makenzie Robertson |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Tammy Mulkey |
| Parents | Les Mulkey |
| Height | 1.63 meters (5 feet 4 inches) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $12 million |
| Source of Wealth | Coaching, endorsements, bonuses |
What is the Net Worth Of Kim Mulkey in 2025?
Kim Mulkey’s net worth is estimated at $12 million, making her one of the most financially successful women’s basketball coaches.
With her historic $36 million contract extension at LSU, she surpassed many of her peers, including Dawn Staley and Becky Hammon. However, her earnings still trail behind top men’s coaches like Geno Auriemma.
Compared to other high-profile sports figures, Mulkey’s wealth highlights the ongoing gender pay disparity in coaching salaries. While she has made significant financial strides, there is still a long way to go for true pay equity.
Related People
- Geno Auriemma
- Dawn Staley
- Becky Hammon
- Pat Summitt
- Angel Reese
- Brittney Griner
- Kramer Robertson
- Leon Barmore
- Scott Drew
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Interested in how Mulkey ranks among wealthy sports figures? Check out this list of the richest sports personalities.
Kim Mulkey Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How Much Does She Earn as a Coach?
Kim Mulkey’s LSU salary makes her the highest-paid coach in women’s basketball. After leading the Tigers to a national championship in 2023, she signed a 10-year, $36 million contract extension. This deal gives her an average annual salary of $3.6 million, putting her among the top-earning NCAA coaches.
In comparison, Geno Auriemma, UConn’s legendary coach, earns a base salary of around $3 million per year.
Meanwhile, Dawn Staley of South Carolina secured a seven-year, $22.4 million contract. Mulkey’s earnings not only reflect her success but also show how LSU is investing heavily in its women’s basketball program.
What Are the Key Details of Her LSU Contract?
Mulkey’s initial deal with LSU was an eight-year, $23.6 million contract.
After her historic 2023 championship win, LSU offered a 10-year extension worth $36 million.
This made her the highest-paid women’s basketball coach in history, surpassing Becky Hammon’s WNBA salary and Dawn Staley’s NCAA deal.
Her contract includes:
- Base Salary: $3.6 million per year
- Performance Bonuses: Incentives for NCAA tournament wins and Final Four appearances
- Endorsement Rights: Opportunities to partner with sponsors
- Retention Bonuses: Payments for staying with the program long-term
How Has Her Salary Grown Over Time?
Mulkey started her coaching career as an assistant at Louisiana Tech before moving to Baylor in 2000. At Baylor, she transformed the program into a powerhouse, earning multiple contract extensions.
- Early 2000s: Earned less than $500,000 per year at Baylor
- 2012-2019: Salary increased to $1.5 million per year after multiple championships
- 2021: Signed $23.6 million LSU contract
- 2023: New $36 million deal, making her the highest-paid women’s coach
Her rapid salary growth reflects the increasing value of women’s college basketball and LSU’s commitment to building a top-tier program.
What Factors Contribute to Her Financial Success?
Mulkey’s financial success is a direct result of her coaching achievements. She has four NCAA championships, multiple AP Coach of the Year awards, and a reputation for turning programs into champions.
Other factors influencing her wealth include:
- Media attention: Mulkey’s bold personality and flashy courtside outfits keep her in the spotlight.
- LSU’s financial commitment: LSU has heavily invested in women’s basketball, leading to record-breaking salaries.
- Sponsorship opportunities: Top coaches attract endorsement deals, further increasing earnings.
How Does Her Salary Compare to Other Coaches?
Despite her record-breaking contract, Mulkey earns less than many top men’s coaches.
- Kim Mulkey: $3.6 million per year
- Geno Auriemma (UConn): ~$3 million per year
- Dawn Staley (South Carolina): ~$3.2 million per year
- Becky Hammon (Las Vegas Aces, WNBA): ~$1 million per year
- John Calipari (Kentucky, NCAA Men’s): ~$8.5 million per year
This highlights the gender pay gap in college coaching, even for the most accomplished female coaches.
What Are Her Other Sources of Income?
Besides her LSU salary, Mulkey earns additional income from:
- Bonuses for tournament wins
- Endorsements with sports brands
- Paid speaking engagements
- Book sales from her autobiography Won’t Back Down
These additional income streams help boost her overall financial portfolio.
How Does She Influence the Future of Women’s Basketball Salaries?
Mulkey’s historic contract sets a new standard for women’s basketball salaries. Her record-breaking deal puts pressure on schools to increase pay for top women’s coaches.
With women’s sports gaining more visibility, Mulkey’s salary signals a shift toward greater financial investment in women’s basketball. This could pave the way for higher pay, better facilities, and more sponsorship deals for future generations of female coaches.
Conclusion
Kim Mulkey’s financial success is a testament to her dominance in women’s college basketball.
From record-breaking contracts to her impact on coaching salaries, her influence is undeniable. Want to keep up with more celebrity finances? Visit Pennbook for the latest insights!
