five Optimum-Paid out Women of all ages's University Basketball Coaches
five Optimum-Paid out Women of all ages's University Basketball Coaches
Blog Article
Ladies’s higher education basketball has viewed exponential growth in viewership, expertise, and competitiveness over the past 10 years. Together with the elevated attractiveness and business results in the Activity, especially in NCAA Division I programs, coaching salaries have risen to mirror the value and Management these top-tier coaches carry to their groups and universities. As universities carry on to take a position of their Females’s athletics departments, several standout coaches are reaping the fiscal rewards that come with developing powerhouse systems.
Right here’s a look at the five maximum-paid out Females’s faculty basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing not simply their remarkable salaries but will also the achievements that justify their elite compensation.
one. Dawn Staley – College of South Carolina
Believed Annual Income: $3.one million
Dawn Staley continues being the gold standard in women’s faculty basketball coaching. A previous WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has developed South Carolina into a perennial powerhouse. Due to the fact taking over the program in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to several NCAA Ultimate Four appearances and two nationwide championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she created headlines by signing a historic 7-12 months, $22.4 million contract, producing her the highest-paid Black head mentor in Ladies's university basketball historical past. That offer has because been restructured and extended with general performance incentives, positioning her firmly at the highest of the checklist.
two. Geno Auriemma – College of Connecticut
Approximated Annual Income: $2.nine million
A residing legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies to some jaw-dropping eleven national titles. His tenure at UConn, which began in 1985, has transformed the program into Among the most dominant dynasties in higher education basketball background—Guys's or Girls’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and steady functionality have ensured rewarding deal renewals. His latest deal includes a base income, media obligations, attire promotions, and significant bonuses tied to NCAA Tournament runs. Although UConn has faced latest issues with accidents and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and leadership keep his benefit large.
three. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana State College (LSU)
Believed Yearly Wage: $two.seven million
Immediately after a successful two-ten years operate at Baylor, the place she gained 3 countrywide titles, Kim Mulkey stunned the basketball world by becoming a member of LSU in 2021. In only her second season With all the Tigers, she led them to some 2023 countrywide championship, bringing a brand new amount of excitement and Highlight to Baton Rouge.
Her high-profile arrival came using a beneficial 8-calendar year, $23.6 million deal, building her amongst the very best-paid out Females’s coaches at any time. Known for her passionate coaching type, flamboyant fashion, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in Girls's hoops.
four. Brenda Frese – College of Maryland
Estimated Yearly Wage: $one.four million
Brenda Frese has quietly constructed a product of consistency at Maryland since taking up in 2002. With multiple convention championships, a countrywide title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Tournament appearances, Frese has held the Terrapins in countrywide rivalry for over two decades.
Her extensive-phrase impact and growth of top-tier talent have made her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Section. Her present deal features bonuses for educational efficiency, wins, and postseason achievement—illustrating her dual dedication to athletics and student progress.
five. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford College
Approximated Annual Salary: $one.3 million
Tara M88 VanDerveer is not merely amongst the best-paid out coaches and also the winningest coach in NCAA Females's basketball record. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time win document and has led Stanford to a few countrywide titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and numerous Remaining 4 appearances.
When VanDerveer has never been a single to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are appropriately compensated. Her Management, development of WNBA stars, and motivation to excellence have solidified her position Amongst the all-time greats in coaching background.
A Transforming Landscape in Women's Basketball
The rising salaries of those coaches are reflective on the rising popularity and economical viability of ladies’s college or university basketball. Plans are attracting far more countrywide Television set offers, ticket income are expanding, and corporate sponsors are becoming more invested in Girls's sports activities.
The rise in coaching salaries is not just a sign of progress—it’s a recognition in the labor, leadership, and accomplishment these coaches carry for their packages and the Activity in general.
Honorable Mentions
Even though these 5 coaches now direct the best way regarding earnings, numerous others are rising:
Kelly Graves (Oregon)
Vic Schaefer (Texas)
Jeff Walz (Louisville)
Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)
Every of those coaches has manufactured sizeable strides with their respective packages and will crack to the leading five in the approaching a long time as women's basketball continues to expand.
Closing Ideas
The times of underfunded Females’s packages and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not only command high salaries—Additionally they mentor generations of athletes, form the lifestyle in their universities, and elevate women’s basketball to new heights. Since the sport continues to grow in reputation and support, we can easily hope these salaries—and also the profiles of these leaders—to carry on soaring.
Women’s university basketball isn’t just trying to keep tempo—it’s environment the rate for the way forward for aggressive sports activities.