Women of all ages’s higher education basketball has found exponential development in viewership, talent, and competitiveness over the past decade. Along with the amplified popularity and commercial success from the sport, specifically in NCAA Division I courses, coaching salaries have risen to replicate the value and leadership these top-tier coaches bring for their groups and universities. As universities keep on to invest in their Women of all ages’s athletics departments, a handful of standout coaches are reaping the economical rewards that come with building powerhouse systems.
Below’s a look at the 5 optimum-paid out women’s college or university basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing don't just their spectacular salaries but in addition the achievements that justify their elite compensation.
one. Dawn Staley – University of South Carolina
Estimated Yearly Wage: $3.one million
Dawn Staley carries on to be the gold conventional in Females’s college basketball coaching. A previous WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has developed South Carolina right into a perennial powerhouse. Due to the fact taking over This system in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to several NCAA Final Four appearances and two countrywide championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she manufactured headlines by signing a historic seven-yr, $22.four million contract, earning her the highest-compensated Black head coach in Girls's school basketball heritage. That deal has considering that been restructured and prolonged with effectiveness incentives, placing her firmly at the highest of the list.
2. Geno Auriemma – College of Connecticut
Believed Annual Salary: $2.nine million
A dwelling legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies to a jaw-dropping 11 nationwide titles. His tenure at UConn, which commenced in 1985, has transformed the program into Among the most dominant dynasties in college basketball historical past—Adult males's or Ladies’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and regular general performance have ensured rewarding agreement renewals. His latest deal features a foundation income, media obligations, clothing deals, and hefty bonuses tied to NCAA Tournament runs. Although UConn has faced modern troubles with accidents and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and Management continue to keep his benefit high.
three. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana Point out College (LSU)
Believed Once-a-year Wage: $2.7 million
Soon after An effective two-10 years run at Baylor, in which she won three national titles, Kim Mulkey stunned the basketball environment by signing up for LSU in 2021. In only her 2nd period With all the Tigers, she led them into a 2023 national championship, bringing a brand new level of pleasure and Highlight to Baton Rouge.
Her substantial-profile arrival came which has a rewarding 8-year, $23.six million agreement, producing her certainly one of the highest-compensated Girls’s coaches ever. Noted for her passionate coaching model, flamboyant style, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in Ladies's hoops.
four. Brenda Frese – University of Maryland
Estimated Yearly Salary: $one.4 million
Brenda Frese has quietly built a design of consistency at Maryland since taking up in 2002. With numerous convention championships, a countrywide title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Event appearances, Frese has stored the Terrapins in countrywide rivalry for more than two decades.
Her lengthy-time period affect and improvement of major-tier talent have built her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Division. Her current deal features bonuses for educational performance, wins, and postseason results—illustrating her dual dedication to athletics and university student growth.
five. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford University
Estimated Yearly Income: $1.three million
Tara VanDerveer is not just one of the highest-paid out coaches but will also the winningest coach in NCAA Girls's basketball record. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time get report and it has led Stanford to 3 national titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and numerous Ultimate 4 appearances.
Though VanDerveer has never been a single to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are properly compensated. Her Management, development of WNBA stars, and commitment to excellence have solidified her spot Among the many all-time greats in coaching record.
A Changing Landscape in Females's Basketball
The rising salaries of those coaches are reflective of your escalating recognition and economic viability of women’s university basketball. Packages are attracting additional countrywide Tv set specials, ticket profits are expanding, and company sponsors have gotten far more invested in Girls's athletics.
The rise in coaching salaries is not just an indication of development—it’s a recognition on the labor, leadership, and achievement these coaches bring for their systems plus the sport in general.
Honorable Mentions
Though these 5 coaches at present lead just how concerning earnings, various Other folks are increasing:
Kelly Graves (Oregon)
Vic Schaefer (Texas)
Jeff Walz (Louisville)
Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)
Every of such coaches has manufactured substantial strides with their respective programs and will break in the best 5 in the coming years as Gals's basketball continues to mature.
Ultimate Thoughts
The days of underfunded women’s systems and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not just command superior salaries—Additionally they mentor generations of athletes, condition the culture in their universities, and elevate women’s basketball to new heights. Since the Activity continues to improve in reputation and aid, we will hope these salaries—as well M88 as the profiles of such leaders—to continue growing.
Women of all ages’s university basketball isn’t just holding pace—it’s environment the speed for the way forward for aggressive sports.