Breaking News: She’s Returning — In a Shocking Twist, LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball Standout Aneesah Morrow Has Revealed She’ll Skip the 2025 WNBA Draft and Turn Down a Massive $12.5 Million NIL Deal
In an unexpected and game-changing announcement, LSU Tigers women’s basketball star Aneesah Morrow has stunned fans and the basketball world by revealing that she will forgo the 2025 WNBA Draft and return to LSU for another season. Even more shocking, Morrow is turning down a reported $12.5 million NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal — one of the largest offers ever presented to a college athlete.
The news broke early Friday morning through a statement shared on Morrow’s social media channels, where she expressed her deep commitment to finishing what she started at LSU. “This program means everything to me,” she wrote. “I’m not ready to say goodbye yet. There’s more history to make here.”
This decision comes on the heels of an electrifying 2024 season where Morrow averaged 21.4 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, cementing her status as one of the most dominant forwards in the nation. She was widely expected to be a top-three pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, with analysts projecting her as a franchise-altering talent. Instead, Morrow is choosing loyalty over legacy — at least for now — and proving that her priorities go far beyond professional aspirations and financial gain.
The NIL Shockwave
Perhaps even more jaw-dropping than her decision to bypass the WNBA Draft is her rejection of a reported $12.5 million NIL offer. According to sources close to the situation, the deal included endorsements, national ad campaigns, and performance incentives that would have made her one of the highest-earning athletes in collegiate history — male or female.
Turning down that kind of money is almost unheard of in the NIL era, especially with the landscape of women’s basketball rapidly evolving. Many fans and insiders are already drawing comparisons to other college stars who took big NIL deals before going pro. But for Morrow, the decision seems rooted in something deeper: a desire to win a national championship, to develop her game further, and to continue being a leader for her team and community.
The LSU Factor
Head coach Kim Mulkey’s influence cannot be understated in this equation. Under her guidance, LSU has become a powerhouse, capturing the national title in 2023 and remaining a perennial Final Four contender. Mulkey has built a culture that values player development, family, and winning — and Morrow’s decision is a testament to that.
“There’s just something special about this place,” Morrow said in a follow-up interview. “Coach Mulkey believed in me, pushed me, and gave me the tools to grow not just as a player, but as a person. I want one more ride with her and my sisters.”
The LSU fanbase, already one of the most passionate in college basketball, erupted with joy at the announcement. Social media has been flooded with praise, excitement, and appreciation for Morrow’s loyalty and selflessness. In an era where players are often criticized for chasing money or spotlight, Morrow’s move feels refreshingly grounded and team-first.
What’s Next?
With Morrow back, LSU instantly becomes a national title favorite for the 2025 season. The Tigers boast a stacked roster and now retain their emotional and statistical leader. Analysts predict that her return could inspire other top players to reconsider staying in college longer, especially if programs like LSU continue building winning cultures and offering competitive NIL support.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Aneesah Morrow is not just a basketball star — she’s a culture shifter. Her return marks more than just another season on the court; it’s a bold statement about what matters most to her: team, legacy, and unfinished business.
And in a world where headlines are often driven by money and fast moves, Morrow’s choice is one that will be re
membered for years to come.