Kim Mulkey has never been one to shy away from strong opinions, and the LSU Tigers’ head coach recently shared her thoughts on the state of college basketball’s transfer portal and the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Speaking on the “Get Gordon Presents” podcast, Mulkey praised some of her top LSU athletes for being the ideal example of what NIL was originally intended to support.
“If you were going to write a description of what NIL was really supposed to be about, all you’d have to do is write her name – Flau’jae Johnson – next to it. All you’d have to do is write Angel Reese’s name next to it. Livvy Dunne. They don’t have a hand out on LSU like, ‘Give me an exorbitant amount of money.’ NIL is go create your own brand,” said Mulkey at the 21:38 mark of the podcast.
Mulkey emphasized that stars like Flau’jae Johnson, reportedly worth $1.5 million in NIL earnings (according to On3), are not exploiting the system, but instead building legitimate, sustainable brands that extend beyond the basketball court.
Rather than demanding big paychecks from the university or boosters, Johnson has secured high-profile partnerships with Apple Cash, JBL Audio, Bazooka, and Unrivaled—just to name a few. And she’s doing it all while balancing a flourishing career as a hip-hop artist, signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
Meanwhile, former LSU star Angel Reese, who helped lead the Tigers to their 2023 NCAA national championship, has taken her talents to the WNBA’s Chicago Sky. Another NIL standout, Livvy Dunne, has become a household name not just through gymnastics but also via her massive social media presence.
Mulkey’s comments arrive as college basketball continues to reel from the effects of NIL and the transfer portal. According to Verbal Commits, over 1,400 women’s players—nearly 30% of all female college basketball athletes—entered the portal this year. The men’s game is even more volatile, with more than 40% of players seeking transfers.
On a broader level, the NIL conversation has drawn attention from political leaders as well. Reports indicate that former President Donald Trump is considering an executive order to regulate NIL, spurred by suggestions from legendary coach Nick Saban.
Programs like Kentucky are also making waves with aggressive NIL strategies. With a rumored $10 million budget, the Wildcats have already landed top-tier transfers like Denzel Aberdeen, Mouhamed Dioubate, Jayden Quaintance, Jaland Lowe, and Cam Williams.
Despite the controversy surrounding NIL and the portal, Kim Mulkey continues to champion a player-first approach—highlighting those who use NIL not as a shortcut, but as a tool for long-term growth. And with stars like Flau’jae Johnson leading the charge, LSU’s brand—and message—has never been stronge.
