• Loading stock data...
Monday, August 25, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Buy tickets now!

LSU’s First National Title Keeps Trophy in the SEC

  • The SEC has regained its spot atop women’s hoops.
  • LSU’s title ended a historic season for women’s college basketball.
LSU wins first national title.
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

DALLAS — Last week, LSU coach Kim Mulkey told reporters that the Southeastern Conference has been “disrespected all year.” 

But after the Tigers took down the Iowa Hawkeyes in a decisive 102-85 win at the American Airlines Center, the SEC can now boast championship streaks in FBS football and women’s basketball.

“We’ve had the trophy in our office for a year with South Carolina’s national championship,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey told Front Office Sports after the confetti fell. “So it’s nice that it’s found a home. To have multiple programs in our conference compete at this level…is really meaningful.” 

The championship is the first for LSU and the fourth for Mulkey. 

A Win For The Sport

LSU’s title ended a historic season for all of women’s college basketball. The Final Four semifinals were the most viewed on record, and the tournament drew more aggregate fans than any other in women’s NCAA history.

Still, the women’s media rights deal and the NCAA’s sponsorship agreement must be renegotiated to reflect the tournament’s growing value, according to a 2021 NCAA equity review. The next steps will be to “test the market on all this stuff,” NCAA President Charlie Baker told reporters before the game. 

“One media consultant’s opinion is not validation,” Sankey said, referring to the equity review. “I think what happened this weekend is actually validation.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.
Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.
McDonald's All-American

NCAA Considers Making High School Athletes Register NIL Deals

The rule would likely be tested in court if adopted.

Featured Today

Nov 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks at quarterback Drew Allar (15) during the first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Private Equity Enters College Sports—Without the Equity

As college football starts, lending agreements have become PE’s best way in.
Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) returns a kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at MetLife Stadium.
August 18, 2025

‘Fauxbacks’ Throw Back to a Retro Uniform That Never Existed

Many throwback jerseys are brand-new designs or “Franken-Unis.”
August 17, 2025

‘Labubu Gang’: The Creepy-Cute Dolls Sweeping Pro Sports

The creepy-cute doll is the hottest collectible—and fashion statement.
Middle Tennessee wide receiver Cam'ron Lacy (86) catches a pass and carries the ball during the season final home football game against New Mexico State on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.
August 15, 2025

How Middle Tennessee State Added $668,000 to Its NIL Budget

The Blue Raiders are creating a new blueprint for cutting costs.

SEC Adopts 9-Game Conference Schedule As CFP Changes Loom

The conference matches schedule formats used by the Big Ten and Big 12.
Justin Harrington (4) runs drills during an OU football practice in Norman, Okla., on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023.
August 21, 2025

Federal Courts Lean Toward Striking NCAA JUCO Eligibility Restrictions

A federal judge granted four West Virginia football players eligibility this year.
Pat Fitzgerald
August 21, 2025

Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern Settle Lawsuit Over Firing

Fitzgerald has insisted he had no knowledge of hazing on the team.
Sponsored

Building A Pro League From Scratch

Front Office Sports and Gainbridge® spotlight what it takes to build a professional women’s soccer league.
Julian Edelman
August 19, 2025

Julian Edelman: ‘Outrageous’ NIL Makes Colleges ‘Look Like an NFL Parking Lot’

The Patriots legend called the current state of college football the “Wild West.”
August 19, 2025

Virginia Tech’s Perceived $56M Budget Gap Shows New Challenges

Virginia Tech AD Whit Babcock wants a $200 million budget.
August 19, 2025

Texas AD Del Conte Signs $38M Deal, but Still Not Highest-Paid AD

Del Conte could receive another raise before the new expiration date.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Woodi Washington (5) runs after a reception during the Armed Forces Bowl football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
August 19, 2025

Oklahoma Selling Fans Tickets to Press Conferences

Press conference tickets for the Sooners’ season opener are already sold out.