LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey recently spoke about why scheduling games against Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) matters. She pointed out that these matchups aren’t just about filling up nonconference games—they’re also crucial financial opportunities for HBCU programs.
In today’s college sports world, especially with the rise of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era, the gap between bigger schools and HBCUs has only grown. Mulkey’s comments have put a spotlight on the importance of *guarantee games* as a key revenue stream for HBCU athletic departments.
The Role of Guarantee Games in College Athletics
A *guarantee game* is when a larger, wealthier school pays a smaller program a set fee to play, usually at the bigger school’s home court. For HBCUs, these games are often the most reliable nonconference income they get.
Mulkey’s recent remarks really drive home how these financial deals help HBCU programs stay afloat. They’re not just nice to have—they’re essential for keeping things running.
Financial Lifeline for HBCUs
Mulkey put it simply: playing HBCUs is a practical way to support schools that “don’t have what we have.” The guaranteed payouts from these games can be used for scholarships, travel, facilities—you name it.
This kind of support is especially critical now, with the economic gap between power-conference schools and smaller programs getting wider in the NIL era.
Mulkey’s Long-Standing Commitment to HBCUs
Scheduling games against HBCUs isn’t something new for Kim Mulkey. Back when she was at Baylor, her teams often played Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) opponents.
It’s clear she’s always believed in using high-profile matchups to give smaller programs a financial and competitive boost.
Impact on LSU’s Schedule
Since Mulkey took over at LSU, the team has faced several HBCU programs. These games give those schools national exposure and a financial lift.
According to HBCU Buzz, LSU made history by scheduling multiple HBCU women’s basketball teams in one season. That’s not something you see every day in the sport.
The NIL Era and Its Challenges
The rise of NIL has changed college athletics in big ways. Student-athletes now have new opportunities, but schools—especially HBCUs—are facing new financial pressures.
While big schools rake in cash from TV deals, sponsorships, and donors, a lot of HBCUs are still playing catch-up when it comes to building that kind of infrastructure.
Offsetting Rising Costs
For HBCU athletic departments, guarantee games help cover the rising costs of travel, staff, and compliance. Some analysts say that without these payouts, certain programs would have a hard time even filling out a full schedule.
Mulkey’s comments acknowledge this. Guarantee games aren’t just about competition—they’re a real way for bigger schools to help out, without tipping the competitive scales too much.
Debate Around Guarantee Games
Mulkey’s take is seen as honest and practical by many, but guarantee games are still a hot topic. Critics say these matchups can show off on-court disparities and question if they really move the needle on equity in college sports.
On the other hand, supporters argue the financial benefits and exposure for HBCUs are worth it—especially for programs that don’t have many options.
Renewed Attention to Economic Disparities
By talking openly about the economics of scheduling, Mulkey has brought fresh attention to how HBCUs manage to survive and compete in a shifting system. She called out guarantee money as a key motivator, something a lot of athletic directors deal with quietly every year.
As college athletics keeps changing, you have to wonder if Mulkey’s candor will nudge other big programs to rethink how they schedule games with HBCUs. Maybe it will, maybe it won’t—but it’s a conversation that’s not going away anytime soon.
The Broader Impact
Guarantee games aren’t going to magically fix deep-rooted funding problems, but they’re still one of the most reliable tools HBCU athletic departments have right now. For HBCUs, these matchups are so much more than just another date on the schedule.
They’re a financial lifeline. They’re a shot at bringing in recruits and a rare chance to compete on a national stage—something that doesn’t come around every day.
Especially in the NIL era, where money seems to decide everything, these games matter. Maybe more than ever.
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