5 Highest-Paid Females's College or university Basketball Coaches

Women’s university basketball has seen exponential growth in viewership, talent, and competitiveness over the past 10 years. With all the enhanced level of popularity and professional achievements of your Activity, particularly in NCAA Division I systems, coaching salaries have risen to mirror the value and Management these major-tier coaches convey for their teams and universities. As universities carry on to invest of their Gals’s athletics departments, some standout coaches are reaping the fiscal rewards that include making powerhouse packages.

Right here’s a look at the 5 greatest-compensated women’s college basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing not merely their remarkable salaries but also the achievements that justify their elite payment.

1. Dawn Staley – College of South Carolina
Estimated Once-a-year Income: $three.1 million

Dawn Staley carries on to be the gold standard in Women of all ages’s university basketball coaching. A former 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 a number of NCAA Closing 4 appearances and two national championships (2017 and 2022).

In 2021, she built headlines by signing a historic 7-12 months, $22.four million agreement, generating her the highest-paid out Black head mentor in Women of all ages's higher education basketball history. That deal has due to the fact been restructured and extended with general performance incentives, putting her firmly at the highest of the list.

2. Geno Auriemma – University of Connecticut
Approximated Once-a-year Income: $two.9 million

A living legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies into a jaw-dropping eleven countrywide titles. His tenure at UConn, which commenced in 1985, has transformed the program into The most dominant dynasties in higher education basketball record—Males's or Females’s.

Auriemma’s longevity and steady overall performance have ensured rewarding agreement renewals. His latest deal features a foundation salary, media obligations, clothing deals, and hefty bonuses tied to NCAA Event operates. Whilst UConn has faced the latest troubles with accidents and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and leadership maintain his price significant.

three. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana Condition University (LSU)
Believed Annual Salary: $two.seven million

Just after A prosperous two-10 years run at Baylor, in which she won a few countrywide titles, Kim Mulkey stunned the basketball earth by becoming a member of LSU in 2021. In just her second time M88 with the Tigers, she led them to the 2023 national championship, bringing a new amount of pleasure and spotlight to Baton Rouge.

Her higher-profile arrival arrived that has a worthwhile 8-calendar year, $23.six million contract, making her one of the best-paid women’s coaches at any time. Known for her passionate coaching style, flamboyant vogue, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in Females's hoops.

four. Brenda Frese – University of Maryland
Believed Yearly Salary: $1.four million

Brenda Frese has quietly designed a model of regularity at Maryland given that taking on in 2002. With a number of conference championships, a countrywide title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Match appearances, Frese has saved the Terrapins in nationwide rivalry for over twenty years.

Her extended-time period effect and development of prime-tier expertise have manufactured her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Office. Her existing offer consists of bonuses for educational overall performance, wins, and postseason results—illustrating her twin dedication to athletics and scholar development.

5. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford University
Believed Once-a-year Salary: $1.3 million

Tara VanDerveer is not simply one of the highest-paid out coaches and also the winningest mentor in NCAA Ladies's basketball historical past. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time gain record and has led Stanford to three national titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and diverse Closing 4 appearances.

Though VanDerveer has never been 1 to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are properly compensated. Her leadership, growth of WNBA stars, and motivation to excellence have solidified her put Amongst the all-time greats in coaching history.

A Altering Landscape in Girls's Basketball
The raising salaries of those coaches are reflective on the rising attractiveness and financial viability of girls’s college basketball. Programs are attracting more countrywide Television set specials, ticket profits are growing, and corporate sponsors are getting to be extra invested in Women of all ages's athletics.

The rise in coaching salaries is not just an indication of progress—it’s a recognition in the hard work, Management, and results these coaches provide to their programs as well as Activity as a whole.

Honorable Mentions
Though these five coaches presently guide the best way with regards to earnings, a number of Many others are increasing:

Kelly Graves (Oregon)

Vic Schaefer (Texas)

Jeff Walz (Louisville)

Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)

Every single of those coaches has built sizeable strides with their respective systems and could split in to the major five in the approaching many years as Women of all ages's basketball carries on to mature.

Ultimate Views
The days of underfunded Women of all ages’s plans and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not only command large salaries—they also mentor generations of athletes, form the culture of their universities, and elevate women’s basketball to new heights. As being the sport proceeds to develop in recognition and assistance, we could hope these salaries—as well as profiles of those leaders—to carry on increasing.

Women’s higher education basketball isn’t just preserving rate—it’s setting the rate for the way forward for competitive sports.