Women of all ages’s higher education basketball has found exponential development in viewership, expertise, and competitiveness over the past 10 years. With the improved acceptance and business results with the Activity, particularly in NCAA Division I packages, coaching salaries have risen to mirror the value and Management these major-tier coaches convey for their teams 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 programs.
In this article’s a consider the five best-paid out Ladies’s college basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing don't just their outstanding salaries but in addition the achievements that justify their elite compensation.
one. Dawn Staley – University of South Carolina
Believed Annual Income: $3.one million
Dawn Staley carries on to be the gold typical in Females’s college basketball coaching. A previous WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has constructed South Carolina right into a perennial powerhouse. Considering that taking over the program in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to multiple NCAA Closing 4 appearances and two nationwide championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she made headlines by signing a historic 7-calendar year, $22.4 million agreement, creating her the very best-paid Black head coach in Women of all ages's faculty basketball background. That offer has because been restructured and extended with functionality incentives, positioning her firmly at the very best of the record.
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 eleven national titles. His tenure at UConn, which began in 1985, has remodeled This system into The most dominant dynasties in college basketball background—Adult men's or women’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and regular effectiveness have ensured profitable deal renewals. His current deal features a base salary, media obligations, apparel offers, and significant bonuses tied to NCAA Event runs. Whilst UConn has faced modern troubles with accidents and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and Management keep his value large.
3. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana State University (LSU)
Estimated Annual Income: $two.seven million
Just after A prosperous two-ten years operate at Baylor, wherever she received 3 nationwide titles, Kim Mulkey shocked the basketball planet by becoming a member of LSU in 2021. In just her next time While using 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 that has a beneficial 8-yr, $23.six million agreement, generating her one among the highest-compensated Gals’s coaches ever. Known for her passionate coaching style, flamboyant manner, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in Women of all ages's hoops.
4. Brenda Frese – University of Maryland
Believed Annual Income: $1.four million
Brenda Frese has quietly crafted a design of consistency at Maryland since taking on in 2002. With several conference championships, a countrywide title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Tournament appearances, Frese has saved the Terrapins in nationwide contention for more than two decades.
Her extensive-expression influence and development of leading-tier expertise have built her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Section. Her present offer consists of bonuses for tutorial efficiency, wins, and postseason success—illustrating her dual determination to athletics and college student enhancement.
5. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford College
Believed Annual Wage: $one.three million
Tara VanDerveer is not merely amongst the highest-paid out coaches but will also the winningest coach in NCAA Females's basketball record. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time win report and it has led Stanford to a few countrywide titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and numerous Ultimate Four appearances.
When VanDerveer hasn't been a single to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are properly compensated. Her Management, development of WNBA stars, and dedication to excellence have solidified her area Amongst the all-time greats in coaching history.
A Altering Landscape in Girls's Basketball
The expanding salaries of such coaches are reflective of the expanding acceptance and money viability of ladies’s faculty basketball. Courses are attracting more national TV deals, ticket revenue are growing, and corporate sponsors are becoming more invested in women's sporting activities.
The increase in coaching salaries is not simply an indication of progress—it’s a recognition in the hard work, Management, and achievement these coaches bring for their packages along with the sport in general.
Honorable Mentions
When these five coaches presently guide how with regard to earnings, many Other individuals are increasing:
Kelly Graves (Oregon)
Vic Schaefer (Texas)
Jeff Walz (Louisville)
Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)
Each of such coaches has manufactured substantial strides with their respective programs and will break into your top rated five in the M88 approaching a long time as women's basketball carries on to develop.
Remaining Ideas
The times of underfunded Females’s programs and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not simply command higher salaries—In addition they mentor generations of athletes, shape the society of their universities, and elevate Gals’s basketball to new heights. Because the Activity proceeds to expand in popularity and assist, we can assume these salaries—and also the profiles of those leaders—to carry on increasing.
Gals’s university basketball isn’t just holding pace—it’s environment the speed for the future of competitive athletics.