LSU Star Center Del Rosario Turns Down $4.5M NIL Offers from Georgia and Notre Dame, Chooses Loyalty and Legacy in Baton Rouge

LSU Star Center Del Rosario Turns Down $4.5M NIL Offers from Georgia and Notre Dame, Chooses Loyalty and Legacy in Baton Rouge

 

BATON ROUGE, La. — In an era where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are reshaping the college sports landscape, few decisions have resonated as profoundly as that of LSU Tigers women’s basketball star center, Jaloni Del Rosario. The 6-foot-6 phenom recently turned down two $4.5 million NIL offers — one from the University of Georgia and another from Notre Dame — in order to stay at LSU, making a powerful statement about loyalty, legacy, and her commitment to team success.

 

The offers, each reportedly spanning multiple years with lucrative endorsements, apparel partnerships, and personal branding opportunities, represented some of the most aggressive NIL pitches made in the women’s college basketball space. Yet Del Rosario declined both, reaffirming her allegiance to the Tigers and Head Coach Kim Mulkey’s championship-driven program.

 

A Rare Decision in a New Era

 

Del Rosario’s decision instantly caught the attention of the national media, not only for the massive financial implications but also for what it says about the values of today’s athletes — and the ones willing to look beyond the checkbook.

 

“In the end, it was never just about money,” Del Rosario said in an exclusive interview with The Advocate. “I came to LSU to build something special. I came to win. The relationships I’ve formed here, the culture we’ve built, and the legacy we’re writing — you can’t put a price on that.”

 

While NIL deals have empowered athletes to cash in on their popularity and talent — especially in women’s sports, where professional opportunities remain comparatively limited — Del Rosario’s choice cuts against the grain. With two of the nation’s most storied programs courting her with financial windfalls, few would have faulted her for making the move. Instead, she doubled down on her commitment to the school that recruited her out of high school, believing in the bigger picture.

 

Coach Mulkey Praises Her Star

 

LSU head coach Kim Mulkey, who has never shied away from the spotlight or the challenge of building dynasties, praised Del Rosario’s decision as both bold and emblematic of LSU’s team-first culture.

 

“She’s a once-in-a-generation player, but more than that, she’s a once-in-a-generation person,” Mulkey said. “What Jaloni did — saying no to that kind of money to stay and finish what she started — that’s unheard of today. That’s why she’s special. That’s why we’re going to keep winning.”

 

Del Rosario, who averaged 18.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks last season, is widely regarded as one of the most dominant post players in college basketball. Her footwork, defensive presence, and leadership have helped elevate LSU’s frontcourt into a national powerhouse.

 

NIL Temptations and Team Unity

 

According to sources close to both Georgia and Notre Dame, the NIL offers included guaranteed appearances, signature shoe and merchandise lines, and options for content production through emerging digital platforms. Yet Del Rosario’s inner circle — including family, mentors, and LSU teammates — helped her weigh the long-term value of staying put.

 

“I talked with my family, and we all felt that my goals here weren’t finished,” Del Rosario said. “Money comes and goes, but championships last forever. And I believe we’ve got another one in us.”

 

LSU won the national title in 2023 and made an Elite Eight run this past season. With Del Rosario anchoring the paint and a talented backcourt led by All-American guard Mikaylah Williams, LSU is poised to make another deep tournament run. Del Rosario’s return ensures the Tigers remain among the favorites to win it all.

 

A Ripple Across College Basketball

 

The ripple effects of Del Rosario’s decision have already begun to reverberate across the women’s college basketball landscape. Recruiting insiders report that LSU’s stance — and its ability to retain a superstar in the face of extreme NIL pressure — could help the program attract even more top-tier talent.

 

“She just became the face of what loyalty in this new NIL world can look like,” said ESPN’s women’s basketball analyst Rebecca Lobo. “This wasn’t just a personal decision; it was a cultural one. She showed that you can stay true to your program, and your people, even when the money gets crazy.”

 

Moreover, Del Rosario’s choice raises questions about how schools will compete going forward. Programs with deeper booster pools and NIL collectives are reshaping competitive balance, but her loyalty may inspire more athletes to consider long-term development and stability over quick paydays.

 

LSU’s NIL Strategy Pays Off — Without the Splash

 

LSU’s own NIL infrastructure, while competitive, has not always made the loudest waves. The school has focused on sustainable, relationship-based partnerships with local and regional businesses — a model that emphasizes brand alignment over pure dollar signs. According to sources, Del Rosario has built a solid NIL portfolio through LSU, including deals with healthcare brands, women’s sportswear lines, and educational outreach programs — all of which align with her personal values.

 

“There’s power in being somewhere where you’re truly supported,” Del Rosario added. “I know LSU is behind me on and off the court. I don’t need to chase something when I already have everything I need here.”

 

What Comes Next

 

Del Rosario is expected to be a leading contender for the 2025 Naismith Player of the Year award and a projected top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Her decision to stay puts LSU in position to return to the Final Four, if not claim another national championship. And off the court, it solidifies her place as a trailblazer for a new kind of athlete — one who knows her worth, but doesn’t forget where she belongs.

 

“She made the hardest decision a young person can make,” Coach Mulkey said. “And in doing so, she just showed what real power looks like. That’s leadership. That’s legacy.”

 

In an age of multimillion-dollar opportunities and constant roster churn, Jaloni Del Rosario didn’t just reject a payday. She made a statement — for herself, for LSU, and for the future of college basketball.