Women of all ages’s higher education basketball has seen exponential development in viewership, talent, and competitiveness over the past decade. Along with the increased popularity and commercial success of the Activity, specifically in NCAA Division I courses, coaching salaries have risen to replicate the worth and Management these top-tier coaches bring for their groups and universities. As universities proceed to invest in their women’s athletics departments, a handful of standout coaches are reaping the economical benefits that come with building powerhouse courses.
Below’s a consider the 5 optimum-paid women’s college or university basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing not simply their amazing salaries but additionally the achievements that justify their elite payment.
1. Dawn Staley – College of South Carolina
Approximated Once-a-year Wage: $three.1 million
Dawn Staley proceeds to get the gold regular in Women of all ages’s higher education basketball coaching. A former WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has created South Carolina into a perennial powerhouse. Due to the fact taking over This system in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to various NCAA Ultimate 4 appearances and two national championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she created headlines by signing a historic 7-12 months, $22.4 million agreement, making her the very best-compensated Black head coach in Gals's university basketball record. That deal has due to the fact been restructured and extended with general performance incentives, putting her firmly at the highest of the checklist.
2. 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 11 countrywide titles. His tenure at UConn, which commenced in 1985, has transformed the program into Among the most dominant dynasties in school basketball historical past—Adult males's or Ladies’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and consistent efficiency have ensured beneficial deal renewals. His present contract includes a base salary, media obligations, apparel bargains, and hefty bonuses tied to NCAA Match runs. Even though UConn has confronted new challenges with accidents and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and Management keep his benefit high.
3. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana Point out College (LSU)
Believed Once-a-year Wage: $2.7 million
Right after An effective two-decade run at Baylor, where she won a few countrywide titles, Kim Mulkey stunned the basketball entire world by becoming a member of LSU in 2021. In just her second season with the Tigers, she led them to the 2023 countrywide championship, bringing a different stage of excitement and spotlight to Baton Rouge.
Her high-profile arrival arrived by using a worthwhile M88 8-year, $23.six million agreement, creating her certainly one of the best-paid out Females’s coaches ever. Recognized for her passionate coaching type, 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 regularity at Maryland due to the fact taking over in 2002. With multiple convention championships, a national title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Match appearances, Frese has stored the Terrapins in countrywide contention for more than two decades.
Her extensive-phrase impact and progress of best-tier expertise have created her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Office. Her existing offer contains bonuses for tutorial performance, wins, and postseason results—illustrating her dual dedication to athletics and university student advancement.
five. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford College
Estimated Yearly Income: $one.3 million
Tara VanDerveer is not simply one of the very best-compensated coaches but also the winningest coach in NCAA Gals's basketball record. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time get document and has led Stanford to a few national titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and numerous Last Four appearances.
Whilst VanDerveer has not been just one to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are correctly compensated. Her leadership, advancement of WNBA stars, and motivation to excellence have solidified her put among the all-time greats in coaching background.
A Modifying Landscape in Gals's Basketball
The expanding salaries of such coaches are reflective of the expanding acceptance and money viability of girls’s college or university basketball. Systems are attracting a lot more nationwide TV promotions, ticket revenue are growing, and company sponsors have become additional invested in Females's sports activities.
The rise in coaching salaries is not just an indication of development—it’s a recognition with the exertions, leadership, and achievement these coaches bring for their courses plus the Activity as a whole.
Honorable Mentions
While these 5 coaches at the moment lead the way concerning earnings, quite a few Other people are increasing:
Kelly Graves (Oregon)
Vic Schaefer (Texas)
Jeff Walz (Louisville)
Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)
Each of these coaches has made sizeable strides with their respective courses and will break in the major five in the coming many years as women's basketball carries on to develop.
Remaining Views
The times of underfunded Ladies’s systems and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not only command higher salaries—In addition they mentor generations of athletes, form the society of their universities, and elevate Gals’s basketball to new heights. Because the Activity continues to increase in reputation and guidance, we will expect these salaries—as well as profiles of those leaders—to carry on growing.
Women of all ages’s university basketball isn’t just holding pace—it’s placing the speed for the way forward for competitive sports activities.