LSU Women's Basketball Retains Young Core Amid Transfer Portal Buzz

Head coach Kim Mulkey says the Tigers will return all but one player from their Sweet 16 squad as they look to take the next step in 2026-27.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic action of a women's basketball game, with players and the court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in LSU's signature purple and gold colors, conveying the energy and potential of the Tigers' roster for the upcoming season.The Tigers' talented young core returns, positioning LSU for a potential deep NCAA Tournament run in 2026-27.Baton Rouge Today

LSU women's basketball head coach Kim Mulkey revealed that the Tigers will return their young core of players for the 2026-27 season, with the exception of guard Divine Bourrage who has entered the transfer portal. Mulkey said she plans to add two or three new players through the transfer portal as the program looks to build on its Sweet 16 appearance last season.

Why it matters

Retaining the majority of their roster gives the Tigers continuity and experience as they aim to advance further in the NCAA Tournament next season. Mulkey's ability to keep her top players together is crucial for the program's long-term success and ability to compete at the highest level in women's college basketball.

The details

Mulkey said the Tigers will return all but one player from last season's Sweet 16 squad. The lone departure is guard Divine Bourrage, who has entered the transfer portal. Mulkey plans to add two or three new players through the transfer portal to supplement the returning core. The Tigers are looking to build on their Sweet 16 appearance and take the next step in 2026-27.

  • The 2025-26 season for LSU women's basketball ended with a Sweet 16 loss to Duke.
  • Mulkey revealed the roster plans in a recent interview with WAFB's Jacques Doucet.

The players

Kim Mulkey

The head coach of the LSU women's basketball team who is entering her third season with the program.

Divine Bourrage

A guard who has entered the transfer portal after playing for LSU last season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've had my individual meetings. They're all coming back except for Divine.”

— Kim Mulkey, Head Coach, LSU Women's Basketball

“You cannot understand the value of having all of them come back. That's how you build it. That's how you get over that hump of an Elite Eight.”

— Kim Mulkey, Head Coach, LSU Women's Basketball

What’s next

Mulkey plans to hire two new assistant coaches quickly and then focus on adding two or three new players through the transfer portal to complement the returning core.

The takeaway

Mulkey's ability to retain the majority of her young, talented roster gives the LSU women's basketball program stability and experience as they look to build on last season's Sweet 16 appearance and take the next step towards an Elite Eight or Final Four berth.