Women of all ages’s college or university basketball has seen exponential advancement in viewership, expertise, and competitiveness in the last ten years. With all the enhanced acceptance and business results with the sport, particularly in NCAA Division I programs, coaching salaries have risen to mirror the value and leadership these top rated-tier coaches convey to their teams and universities. As universities carry on to invest in their women’s athletics departments, a few standout coaches are reaping the financial benefits that come with creating powerhouse plans.
Right here’s a look at the 5 maximum-paid women’s college basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing not just their impressive salaries but will also the achievements that justify their elite payment.
1. Dawn Staley – University of South Carolina
Estimated Yearly Salary: $three.1 million
Dawn Staley continues being the gold common in Females’s college basketball coaching. A previous WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has constructed South Carolina right into a perennial powerhouse. Given that taking on the program in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to multiple NCAA Closing Four appearances and two nationwide championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she made headlines by signing a historic 7-calendar year, $22.4 million agreement, making her the very best-compensated Black head coach in Women of all ages's university basketball record. That deal has considering the fact that been restructured and extended with performance incentives, putting her firmly at the highest of the checklist.
two. Geno Auriemma – College of Connecticut
Believed Annual Wage: $two.nine million
A dwelling legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies to some jaw-dropping eleven countrywide titles. His tenure at UConn, which commenced in 1985, has transformed the program into One of the more dominant dynasties in school basketball heritage—Adult males's or Females’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and reliable functionality have ensured beneficial contract renewals. His existing deal includes a base wage, media obligations, clothing bargains, and significant bonuses tied to NCAA Tournament runs. When UConn has confronted the latest challenges with accidents and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and Management keep his value higher.
3. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana State University (LSU)
Estimated Once-a-year Income: $two.seven million
Immediately after A prosperous two-ten years operate at Baylor, the place she gained 3 national titles, Kim Mulkey shocked the basketball world by signing up for LSU in 2021. In only her 2nd period Together with the Tigers, she led them into a 2023 nationwide championship, bringing a fresh level of pleasure and Highlight to Baton Rouge.
Her substantial-profile arrival came having a profitable eight-calendar year, $23.6 million contract, making her one of the best-paid out Ladies’s coaches at any time. Recognized for her passionate coaching design, flamboyant style, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in women's hoops.
four. Brenda Frese – University of Maryland
Believed Yearly Income: $one.4 million
Brenda Frese has quietly designed a design of consistency at Maryland considering the fact that taking up in 2002. With several meeting championships, a nationwide title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Tournament appearances, Frese has retained the Terrapins in countrywide rivalry for over twenty years.
Her prolonged-term effects and growth of leading-tier expertise have created her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Office. Her existing offer contains bonuses for tutorial functionality, wins, and postseason achievement—illustrating her twin determination to athletics and college student development.
5. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford College
Believed Annual Wage: $one.three million
Tara VanDerveer is not just considered one of the highest-paid coaches and also the winningest mentor in NCAA Ladies's basketball heritage. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time win file and it has led Stanford to 3 countrywide 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 correctly compensated. Her Management, development of WNBA stars, and dedication to excellence have solidified her area Amongst the all-time greats in coaching record.
A Changing Landscape in Females's Basketball
The raising salaries of those coaches are reflective on the rising popularity and monetary viability of ladies’s college or university basketball. Systems are attracting extra countrywide Television set specials, ticket profits are raising, and company sponsors have become a lot more invested in Ladies's sports.
The increase in coaching salaries is not simply a sign of development—it’s a recognition of your hard work, Management, and achievements these coaches convey to their applications and also the Activity in general.
Honorable Mentions
Though these 5 coaches at this time lead how regarding earnings, numerous Other individuals are on the rise:
Kelly Graves (Oregon)
Vic Schaefer (Texas)
Jeff Walz (Louisville)
Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)
Each individual of those coaches has created substantial strides with their respective courses and could crack in the best 5 in the coming years as Gals's basketball continues to mature.
Ultimate Thoughts
The times of underfunded women’s systems and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not merely command high salaries—Additionally they mentor generations of athletes, condition the tradition in their universities, and elevate Females’s basketball to new heights. Given that the sport carries M88 on to grow in level of popularity and assistance, we could anticipate these salaries—as well as profiles of these leaders—to continue soaring.
Females’s college or university basketball isn’t just retaining speed—it’s location the pace for the future of aggressive sporting activities.