NC State looking into Will Wade’s departure to LSU

Controversy Surrounds Will Wade’s Departure from North Carolina State

The recent expulsion of Will Wade from North Carolina State is sparking controversy and may lead to potential legal action.

Wade stepped down as head coach of LSU’s men’s basketball team in March, having spent just a single season with the Wolfpack. Currently, there’s an investigation into whether LSU has breached North Carolina’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

In a letter to LSU General Counsel Carlton Jones, Alison B. Newhart, the General Counsel for North Carolina State, expressed concerns that LSU might have collaborated with Wade to circumvent a hefty buyout clause in his contract. This information was reported by WRAL News.

Newhart raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Wade’s resignation and subsequent agreement with LSU, particularly noting a $4 million payment to North Carolina State University. She suggested that LSU may have influenced the timing of Wade’s departure to manage financial repercussions more favorably.

Wade officially resigned from NC State on March 25, only for LSU to announce his hiring the very next day.

Remarkably, Wade’s contract stipulated a $5 million buyout if he left before April 1; this amount decreases to $3 million after that date. He negotiated a $4 million buyout with North Carolina State, which LSU executed on May 8.

A few weeks later, LSU proposed a “Mutual Release and Settlement Agreement” to North Carolina State’s legal counsel, but it was rejected in a response dated June 4.

North Carolina State’s position is clear: they believe LSU improperly influenced Wade to breach his contract, potentially affecting the timeline in a way that reduced any financial liabilities.

Wade was initially celebrated upon his arrival in Raleigh, having achieved back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances with McNeese State in 2024 and 2025. He signed a six-year deal valued at over $17 million during his time with NC State and even helped advance the program to the First Four in the NCAA Tournament in his single season.