As LSU women’s basketball continues to dominate the season, the program has achieved unprecedented attention and sponsorship traction, driven by Kim Mulkey and her standout players. Remarkably, despite generating less revenue than their male peers, Mulkey and her staff command higher salaries, sparking discussions about fairness in athletic pay scales. The real question is this: can the undeniable influence and success of the women’s team redefine the traditional metrics of value in college sports and challenge long-standing perspectives on revenue versus compensation?

While star players like Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson have become household names, leveraging lucrative NIL deals to elevate the women’s basketball program’s profile and open new financial opportunities, the LSU men’s basketball team has yet to achieve the same level of individual marketability. Despite consistent efforts on the court, the men’s team has not produced players with comparable NIL traction, highlighting a stark contrast in visibility and cultural impact between the two programs. This divergence underscores the unique influence of the women’s team in reshaping LSU’s athletic narrative.

For the first time, LSU allocated $5.3 million to women’s basketball coaching salaries, surpassing the $4.6 million spent on men’s basketball coaches. This marks a notable shift towards equity in coaching compensation. Similarly, while LSU Athletics’ total revenue in 2023 saw a modest decline from the prior year, the program exceeded $200 million in operating revenue for the first time, signaling significant growth and financial stability. Both moves reflect LSU’s ongoing efforts to invest in and support its athletic programs.

This landmark decision, highlighted in a tweet by Sportico’s deputy editor Eben Novy-Williams, positions LSU as just the second public university in the nation to make such a move, reflecting a significant shift in priorities within collegiate athletics. By doing so, LSU is breaking the norm, prioritizing gender equity in coaching salaries despite the revenue difference between the men’s and women’s programs.

This financial commitment underscores LSU’s dedication to fostering equity in athletics. While the women’s basketball program, under Kim Mulkey’s leadership, has achieved national success, including a championship, it has yet to match the revenue levels of the men’s program.

LSU leads the way in equal coaching salaries by breaking barriers

According to the 2024 fiscal report, LSU Athletics reported a total revenue of $43,190,318, with the women’s basketball program still operating at a deficit despite its growing visibility and fan support. Meanwhile, the men’s basketball program remains on firmer financial footing, reflecting the historical revenue disparities in collegiate sports.

Angel Reese’s influence extends beyond the court, as her NIL deals have played a key role in the financial dynamics of LSU’s women’s basketball program. Her high-profile partnerships with brands like Reebok and McDonald’s have not only enhanced her individual brand but also contributed to the program’s visibility and revenue potential. This aligns with LSU’s strategic move to allocate millions to women’s basketball coaching salaries, surpassing the men’s program, as part of their commitment to supporting the growing prominence of the women’s team.

As of the 2023 fiscal year, LSU’s women’s basketball head coach, Kim Mulkey, is the highest-paid women’s basketball coach in NCAA history, earning a total of $3.15 million. This includes a base salary of $400,000 and $2.75 million in supplemental income. In contrast, LSU’s men’s basketball head coach, Matt McMahon, has an annual salary of $2.9 million. These figures reflect LSU’s commitment to investing in its basketball programs, with Mulkey’s compensation surpassing that of McMahon.

LSU basketball’s unstoppable season

The LSU women’s basketball team has had a standout season, maintaining an undefeated record of 20-0, a testament to their dominance in collegiate basketball. Leading the SEC in points per game with an impressive average of 91.8, their offensive prowess is unmatched.

The LSU Tigers women’s basketball team is having a stellar season with a 20-0 record and ranking second in the SEC for points per game. Key contributors include Flau’Jae Johnson, averaging 20 points and 31.4 minutes per game with a 49.2% field goal percentage, and Aneesah Morrow, who boasts an impressive 54.6% shooting accuracy while adding 18.7 points in 32.6 minutes per game. Shayeann Day-Wilson leads in assists, averaging 3.9 per game, demonstrating the team’s well-rounded performance and dominance on the court.

Their efforts have earned them a top ranking of No. 5 nationally, solidifying their competitive strength. Players like Mikaylah Williams, who recently scored 22 points in a game, continue to drive the team’s success, showcasing the talent and dedication that propel LSU into the national spotlight.

On the men’s side, the LSU Tigers have demonstrated resilience and competitiveness, with a 17-16 record and a 9-9 mark in SEC play. Their ability to improve key statistics, such as raising their free throw percentage from 68.9% to 76.9% in the 2024-25 season, reflects their commitment to continuous growth and success. Despite challenges, the team continues to compete at a high level, contributing to LSU’s basketball legacy.