five Greatest-Paid Girls's College Basketball Coaches

Women’s higher education basketball has found exponential growth in viewership, talent, and competitiveness in the last ten years. With all the amplified recognition and commercial achievement from the Activity, specifically in NCAA Division I courses, coaching salaries have risen to replicate the value and Management these major-tier coaches carry to their groups and universities. As universities go on to take a position within their Ladies’s athletics departments, a couple of standout coaches are reaping the financial benefits that come with developing powerhouse programs.

In this article’s a consider the five optimum-paid out women’s college or university basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing not simply their remarkable salaries but additionally the achievements that justify their elite payment.

1. Dawn Staley – University of South Carolina
Approximated Once-a-year Wage: $3.1 million

Dawn Staley continues being the gold common in Ladies’s college basketball coaching. A former WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has built South Carolina right into a perennial powerhouse. Because taking up This system in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to a number of NCAA Final Four appearances and two countrywide championships (2017 and 2022).

In 2021, she produced headlines by signing a historic seven-calendar year, $22.4 million agreement, making her the very best-compensated Black head mentor in women's higher education basketball history. That deal has considering the fact that been restructured and extended with effectiveness incentives, placing her firmly at the very best of the record.

2. Geno Auriemma – University of Connecticut
Approximated Once-a-year Salary: $2.9 million

A residing legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies to your jaw-dropping eleven countrywide titles. His tenure at UConn, which began in 1985, has remodeled the program into One of the more dominant dynasties in school basketball historical past—Adult males's or Ladies’s.

Auriemma’s longevity and regular general performance have ensured profitable agreement renewals. His recent agreement features a base wage, media obligations, attire discounts, and significant bonuses tied to NCAA Match 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 operate at Baylor, the place she gained three national titles, Kim Mulkey stunned the basketball earth by signing up for LSU in 2021. In only her second period Using the Tigers, she led them to a 2023 countrywide championship, bringing a completely new amount of excitement and spotlight to Baton Rouge.

Her high-profile arrival arrived that has a worthwhile 8-year, $23.six million contract, building her one among the highest-compensated Gals’s coaches ever. Noted for her passionate coaching model, flamboyant style, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in women's hoops.

four. Brenda Frese – University of Maryland
Believed Annual Income: $1.four million

Brenda Frese has quietly developed a product of regularity at Maryland because taking on M88 in 2002. With several conference championships, a nationwide title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Event appearances, Frese has retained the Terrapins in nationwide contention for more than twenty years.

Her prolonged-time period impression and advancement of leading-tier expertise have made her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Section. Her current deal includes bonuses for educational performance, wins, and postseason accomplishment—illustrating her twin dedication to athletics and scholar improvement.

5. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford College
Believed Annual Wage: $one.three million

Tara VanDerveer is not only one among the best-paid coaches but additionally the winningest mentor in NCAA Women of all ages's basketball background. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time earn history and it has led Stanford to three national titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and diverse 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, progress of WNBA stars, and determination to excellence have solidified her place among the all-time greats in coaching historical past.

A Shifting Landscape in Gals's Basketball
The expanding salaries of such coaches are reflective of the expanding reputation and fiscal viability of ladies’s higher education basketball. Systems are attracting additional nationwide Tv set specials, ticket profits are raising, and company sponsors have become much more invested in Ladies's sports.

The increase in coaching salaries is not simply a sign of progress—it’s a recognition of the effort, Management, and good results these coaches deliver for their systems along with the sport in general.

Honorable Mentions
Even though these five coaches currently guide the best way with regards to earnings, a number of others are rising:

Kelly Graves (Oregon)

Vic Schaefer (Texas)

Jeff Walz (Louisville)

Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)

Every single of these coaches has made major strides with their respective plans and will split into your prime five in the coming years as Gals's basketball continues to improve.

Last Views
The days of underfunded Gals’s plans and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches don't just command large salaries—In addition they mentor generations of athletes, shape the lifestyle in their universities, and elevate Females’s basketball to new heights. Given that the sport carries on to mature in acceptance and aid, we will hope these salaries—as well as the profiles of these leaders—to continue climbing.

Women’s university basketball isn’t just holding pace—it’s environment the speed for the way forward for aggressive sporting activities.