5 Best-Compensated Women's Higher education Basketball Coaches

Women of all ages’s faculty basketball has seen exponential development in viewership, talent, and competitiveness over the past decade. Together with the amplified popularity and professional success of the Activity, specifically in NCAA Division I courses, coaching salaries have risen to replicate the worth and Management these top rated-tier coaches provide for their teams and universities. As universities proceed to invest in their women’s athletics departments, a few standout coaches are reaping the financial benefits that come with developing powerhouse applications.

Here’s a think about the 5 greatest-compensated Gals’s faculty 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 Annual Income: $3.one million

Dawn Staley continues to be the gold typical in Girls’s school basketball coaching. A previous WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has developed South Carolina right into a perennial powerhouse. Due to the fact taking over This system in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to numerous NCAA Remaining Four appearances and two countrywide championships (2017 and 2022).

In 2021, she created headlines by signing a historic seven-yr, $22.four million contract, generating her the highest-paid out Black head mentor in Ladies's faculty basketball background. That offer has since been restructured and extended with performance incentives, putting her firmly at the best of this checklist.

two. Geno Auriemma – College of Connecticut
Estimated Annual Wage: $two.nine 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 Among the most dominant dynasties in college basketball background—Adult men's or women’s.

Auriemma’s longevity and steady effectiveness have ensured profitable deal renewals. His existing deal includes a base wage, media obligations, attire specials, and significant bonuses tied to NCAA Match operates. When UConn has confronted the latest challenges with injuries and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and leadership keep his value higher.

3. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana State University (LSU)
Believed Once-a-year Income: $2.7 million

Right after An effective two-decade run at Baylor, where she received a few 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 whole new degree of excitement and Highlight to Baton Rouge.

Her substantial-profile arrival came having a profitable eight-12 months, $23.6 million contract, earning her amongst the very best-paid women’s coaches at any time. Recognized for her passionate coaching fashion, flamboyant manner, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in Gals's M88 hoops.

4. Brenda Frese – College of Maryland
Approximated Annual Wage: $1.four million

Brenda Frese has quietly constructed a product of consistency at Maryland because taking on in 2002. With a number of conference championships, a nationwide title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Tournament appearances, Frese has retained the Terrapins in national rivalry for over twenty years.

Her lengthy-time period impression and advancement of top-tier talent have built her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Division. Her current deal features bonuses for academic general performance, wins, and postseason good results—illustrating her twin determination to athletics and pupil enhancement.

5. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford University
Approximated Once-a-year Salary: $1.three million

Tara VanDerveer is don't just among the best-compensated coaches but additionally the winningest coach in NCAA Gals's basketball history. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time acquire history and it has led Stanford to three national titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and diverse Closing 4 appearances.

While VanDerveer has never been one particular to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are correctly compensated. Her Management, development of WNBA stars, and dedication to excellence have solidified her area Among the many all-time greats in coaching record.

A Changing Landscape in Females's Basketball
The rising salaries of those coaches are reflective with the escalating popularity and monetary viability of women’s school basketball. Plans are attracting far more nationwide Television bargains, ticket product sales are escalating, and corporate sponsors are becoming more invested in women's sports.

The increase in coaching salaries is not simply a sign of progress—it’s a recognition of the effort, Management, and accomplishment these coaches carry to their programs and the Activity as a whole.

Honorable Mentions
Whilst these 5 coaches at the moment direct the way in which regarding earnings, many Other folks are on the rise:

Kelly Graves (Oregon)

Vic Schaefer (Texas)

Jeff Walz (Louisville)

Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)

Each of those coaches has produced significant strides with their respective systems and could crack to the top 5 in the coming yrs as Females's basketball proceeds to increase.

Final Feelings
The days of underfunded Gals’s applications 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 Girls’s basketball to new heights. Given that the sport carries on to grow in level of popularity and assistance, we can easily anticipate these salaries—plus the profiles of these leaders—to continue mounting.

Ladies’s higher education basketball isn’t just keeping tempo—it’s placing the rate for the way forward for competitive sports activities.