Females’s university basketball has seen exponential expansion in viewership, expertise, and competitiveness in the last ten years. With all the enhanced level of popularity and professional achievements of your Activity, specifically in NCAA Division I programs, coaching salaries have risen to replicate the worth and leadership these leading-tier coaches deliver to their groups and universities. As universities keep on to take a position in their women’s athletics departments, a few standout coaches are reaping the economical benefits that come with building powerhouse courses.
Below’s a consider the five optimum-paid out women’s college basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing don't just their amazing salaries but in addition the achievements that justify their elite payment.
1. Dawn Staley – College of South Carolina
Approximated Annual Wage: $three.1 million
Dawn Staley proceeds to get the gold regular in Women of all ages’s faculty basketball coaching. A former WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has designed South Carolina into a perennial powerhouse. Considering the fact that taking up This system in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to many NCAA Ultimate 4 appearances and two national championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she designed headlines by signing a historic seven-12 months, $22.4 million deal, creating her the best-paid Black head coach in Gals's school basketball heritage. That deal has considering that been restructured and prolonged with functionality incentives, positioning her firmly at the top of this listing.
two. Geno Auriemma – College of Connecticut
Estimated Yearly Wage: $two.nine million
A dwelling legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies to some jaw-dropping 11 nationwide titles. His tenure at UConn, which commenced in 1985, has reworked the program into Just about the most dominant dynasties in college or university basketball history—Guys's or Gals’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and dependable overall performance have ensured worthwhile agreement renewals. His present-day deal features a foundation income, media obligations, clothing promotions, and significant bonuses tied to NCAA Event operates. When UConn has confronted new worries with accidents and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and Management retain his benefit superior.
three. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana Point out University (LSU)
Approximated Annual Salary: $two.seven million
Just after A prosperous two-10 years run at Baylor, in which she won three national titles, Kim Mulkey stunned the basketball world by signing up for LSU in 2021. In only her 2nd period With all the Tigers, she led them to some 2023 national championship, bringing a new amount of excitement and spotlight to Baton Rouge.
Her superior-profile arrival arrived by using a rewarding 8-calendar year, $23.6 million contract, earning her considered one of the very best-paid Women of all ages’s coaches ever. Known for her passionate coaching design and 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 design of regularity at Maryland due to the fact taking over in 2002. With various convention championships, a countrywide title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Match appearances, Frese has kept the Terrapins in nationwide rivalry for over twenty years.
Her extended-time period effect and development of top rated-tier talent have manufactured her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic department. Her recent offer contains bonuses for tutorial efficiency, wins, and postseason achievements—illustrating her dual motivation to athletics and student growth.
five. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford College
Estimated Yearly Income: $one.three million
Tara VanDerveer is not just considered one of the highest-paid coaches but in addition the winningest mentor in NCAA women's basketball background. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time earn history and it has led Stanford to 3 countrywide titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and numerous Final Four appearances.
Whilst VanDerveer has not been a single to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are properly compensated. Her Management, enhancement of WNBA stars, and commitment to excellence have solidified her spot Among the many all-time greats in coaching historical past.
A Changing Landscape in Ladies's Basketball
The expanding salaries of those coaches are reflective with the escalating recognition and economic viability of women’s university basketball. Plans are attracting far more nationwide Television offers, ticket product sales are escalating, and corporate sponsors are becoming extra invested in Women of all ages's sporting activities.
The increase in coaching salaries is not only a sign of development—it’s a recognition with the exertions, leadership, and success these coaches bring for their systems plus the sport in general.
Honorable M88 Mentions
When these 5 coaches now direct the best way in terms of earnings, a number of Many others are rising:
Kelly Graves (Oregon)
Vic Schaefer (Texas)
Jeff Walz (Louisville)
Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)
Each of these coaches has produced significant strides with their respective programs and will crack into your prime five in the approaching years as Females's basketball proceeds to grow.
Ultimate Ideas
The days of underfunded Ladies’s courses and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not only command substantial salaries—Additionally they mentor generations of athletes, form the tradition in their universities, and elevate Girls’s basketball to new heights. Because the Activity carries on to develop in level of popularity and aid, we could be expecting these salaries—as well as profiles of those leaders—to continue soaring.
Women of all ages’s college or university basketball isn’t just preserving tempo—it’s setting the rate for the future of aggressive athletics.