LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey says scheduling games against HBCU programs is about more than filling nonconference slots — it’s about creating financial opportunities for schools navigating the realities of college athletics in the name, image, and likeness era. Mulkey’s comments have reignited discussion around how so-called “guarantee games” function as a vital revenue stream for HBCU athletic departments at a time when the economic gap in college sports continues to widen.
Speaking recently, Mulkey explained that intentionally playing HBCUs allows those programs to receive guaranteed payouts, money that can be reinvested into scholarships, travel, facilities, and overall program sustainability. Her remarks were first reported by HBCU Sports, which detailed Mulkey’s perspective on why these matchups matter in the modern college basketball landscape.
Why ‘Guarantee Games’ Matter More Than Ever
In college athletics, a guarantee game typically involves a larger, well-funded program paying a smaller school a predetermined fee to compete — often on the larger school’s home court. For many HBCUs, these games represent one of the most reliable sources of nonconference revenue.
Mulkey acknowledged that reality directly, noting that in the NIL era, financial disparities have become even more pronounced. While power-conference programs generate revenue through television deals, sponsorships, and donor collectives, many HBCUs rely on guarantee money to keep their athletic programs competitive and operational. Mulkey framed the decision to play HBCUs as a practical way to support schools that “don’t have what we have,” while still providing her team with meaningful early-season competition.
Her comments echo reporting from Yahoo Sports, which highlighted Mulkey’s long-standing approach to scheduling and her belief that high-profile programs can play a role in strengthening the broader basketball ecosystem.
LSU’s Track Record With HBCU Matchups
LSU’s recent schedules reflect Mulkey’s philosophy. The Tigers have faced several HBCU programs in recent seasons, offering those schools national exposure and financial support. According to Sports Illustrated, LSU made history by scheduling multiple HBCU women’s basketball teams in a single season, a move that stood out in a sport where such matchups are often limited.
Mulkey has also joked about her familiarity with HBCU competition, recalling that during her tenure at Baylor, her teams played so many Southwestern Athletic Conference opponents that someone once quipped they were “SWAC champions.” That history underscores that her approach is not new, but rather a continuation of a scheduling philosophy she has carried throughout her career.
The NIL Era and Financial Pressure on HBCUs
The rise of NIL has fundamentally reshaped college athletics, creating new opportunities for student-athletes but also new financial pressures for institutions. While NIL collectives and endorsement deals have flourished at power-conference schools, many HBCUs are still building the infrastructure needed to compete in that space.
For HBCU athletic departments, guarantee games often help offset rising costs tied to travel, staffing, and compliance in the NIL era. Analysts have noted that without these payouts, some programs would struggle to fund full schedules. Mulkey’s remarks acknowledge that reality and position guarantee games as a tangible way larger programs can provide support without altering competitive balance.
Mixed Reactions and Ongoing Debate
While Mulkey’s comments were largely viewed as candid and pragmatic, guarantee games remain a topic of debate. Critics argue that these matchups can highlight disparities on the court and question whether they truly advance equity in college sports. Supporters counter that the financial benefits and exposure outweigh the risks, particularly for programs operating with limited resources.
What’s clear is that Mulkey’s willingness to speak openly about the economics of scheduling has brought renewed attention to how HBCUs survive and compete within a rapidly changing system. By naming guarantee money as a key motivator, she underscored a reality that many athletic directors quietly navigate every season.
What It Means Moving Forward
As college athletics continues to evolve, Mulkey’s comments may influence how other high-profile programs think about scheduling HBCUs. While guarantee games alone won’t solve systemic funding gaps, they remain one of the most immediate and reliable tools available to HBCU athletic departments.
For HBCUs, these matchups represent more than a game on the calendar — they are a financial lifeline, a recruiting opportunity, and a chance to compete on a national stage. And in the NIL era, where money increasingly dictates opportunity, those games matter more than ever.