five Highest-Paid Women's University Basketball Coaches
five Highest-Paid Women's University Basketball Coaches
Blog Article
Women’s university basketball has seen exponential development in viewership, talent, and competitiveness over the past ten years. While using the greater attractiveness and professional achievements of the Activity, particularly in NCAA Division I packages, coaching salaries have risen to replicate the worth and leadership these best-tier coaches deliver to their teams and universities. As universities carry on to invest of their women’s athletics departments, a handful of standout coaches are reaping the money benefits that come with setting up powerhouse courses.
Below’s a consider the five highest-paid out women’s school basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing not only their amazing salaries and also the achievements that justify their elite payment.
one. Dawn Staley – University of South Carolina
Approximated Once-a-year Income: $3.one million
Dawn Staley carries on to become the gold conventional in women’s school basketball coaching. A former WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has designed South Carolina into a perennial powerhouse. Because taking up the program in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to many NCAA Final 4 appearances and two nationwide championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she built headlines by signing a historic seven-12 months, $22.4 million deal, producing her the highest-paid out Black head mentor in women's school basketball historical past. That offer has given that been restructured and extended with general performance incentives, positioning her firmly at the highest of the listing.
two. Geno Auriemma – College of Connecticut
Approximated Yearly Salary: $2.9 million
A living legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies to a jaw-dropping 11 national titles. His tenure at UConn, which started in 1985, has transformed This system into Among the most dominant dynasties in college basketball background—Males's or Gals’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and regular efficiency have ensured profitable contract renewals. His latest contract features a foundation income, media obligations, clothing deals, and hefty bonuses tied to NCAA Event operates. Though UConn has confronted current challenges with injuries and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and leadership preserve his price high.
three. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana Point out College (LSU)
Approximated Once-a-year Income: $two.seven million
After An effective two-decade operate at Baylor, where she received 3 nationwide titles, Kim Mulkey stunned the basketball planet by becoming a member of LSU in 2021. In just her 2nd time With all the Tigers, she led them to your 2023 countrywide championship, bringing a whole new stage of excitement and Highlight to Baton Rouge.
Her substantial-profile arrival arrived having a lucrative eight-12 months, $23.six million agreement, producing her among the best-paid out Women of all ages’s coaches at any time. Recognized for her passionate coaching design, flamboyant vogue, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in Ladies's hoops.
4. Brenda Frese – College of Maryland
Believed Yearly Salary: $one.4 million
Brenda Frese has quietly designed a model of consistency at Maryland considering that taking up in 2002. With many convention championships, a national title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Event appearances, Frese has stored the Terrapins in countrywide contention for over 20 years.
Her extended-phrase effects and improvement of prime-tier expertise have designed her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Office. Her existing deal involves bonuses for academic efficiency, wins, and postseason results—illustrating her twin determination to athletics and student growth.
five. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford University
Estimated Once-a-year Salary: $1.three million
Tara VanDerveer is don't just among the very best-compensated coaches but also the winningest coach in NCAA Gals's basketball history. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time acquire report and it has led Stanford to 3 M88 national titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and numerous Closing Four appearances.
Even though VanDerveer hasn't been one to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are appropriately compensated. Her leadership, advancement of WNBA stars, and dedication to excellence have solidified her area Among the many all-time greats in coaching record.
A Changing Landscape in Females's Basketball
The rising salaries of those coaches are reflective on the increasing popularity and monetary viability of women’s college basketball. Applications are attracting a lot more nationwide Tv set bargains, ticket sales are growing, and company sponsors are getting to be more invested in Gals's athletics.
The increase in coaching salaries is not just an indication of development—it’s a recognition from the effort, Management, and achievement these coaches provide for their applications along with the Activity as a whole.
Honorable Mentions
When these 5 coaches presently direct just how regarding earnings, various others are rising:
Kelly Graves (Oregon)
Vic Schaefer (Texas)
Jeff Walz (Louisville)
Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)
Every of these coaches has produced considerable strides with their respective systems and will split into your major 5 in the approaching yrs as Females's basketball proceeds to develop.
Final Ideas
The days of underfunded Females’s plans and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not only command higher salaries—Additionally they mentor generations of athletes, shape the culture of their universities, and elevate Ladies’s basketball to new heights. Given that the sport carries on to expand in recognition and aid, we will expect these salaries—plus the profiles of these leaders—to continue increasing.
Ladies’s college or university basketball isn’t just retaining speed—it’s location the pace for the future of competitive athletics.