Women of all ages’s university basketball has viewed exponential advancement in viewership, expertise, and competitiveness in the last ten years. Together with the greater attractiveness and commercial success from the sport, especially in NCAA Division I applications, coaching salaries have risen to reflect the value and Management these top-tier coaches convey for their groups and universities. As universities continue on to take a position within their Females’s athletics departments, several standout coaches are reaping the economic rewards that include making powerhouse packages.
Listed here’s a look at the 5 best-paid out Ladies’s school basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing not only their spectacular salaries and also the achievements that justify their elite compensation.
one. Dawn Staley – College of South Carolina
Estimated Once-a-year Salary: $three.1 million
Dawn Staley proceeds being the gold normal in women’s college or university basketball coaching. A former WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has built South Carolina right into a perennial powerhouse. Given that taking on the program in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to multiple NCAA Closing Four appearances and two nationwide championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she made headlines by signing a historic 7-calendar year, $22.4 million deal, producing her the best-paid Black head mentor in Ladies's faculty basketball heritage. That offer has considering the fact that been restructured and extended with functionality incentives, positioning her firmly at the very best of this checklist.
two. Geno Auriemma – College of Connecticut
Approximated Annual Income: $two.9 million
A dwelling legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies to some jaw-dropping eleven countrywide titles. His tenure at UConn, which began in 1985, has reworked This system into The most dominant dynasties in school basketball historical past—men's or Females’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and reliable performance have ensured worthwhile agreement renewals. His present-day 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 value large.
3. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana Point out College (LSU)
Estimated Yearly Wage: $2.7 million
Just after A prosperous two-ten years operate at Baylor, where she received a few nationwide titles, Kim Mulkey shocked the basketball entire world by becoming a member of LSU in 2021. In just her second season with the Tigers, she led them to a 2023 countrywide championship, bringing a new amount of pleasure and spotlight to Baton Rouge.
Her large-profile arrival came with a lucrative eight-yr, $23.6 million deal, building her considered one of the very best-paid women’s coaches at any time. Recognized for her passionate coaching fashion, flamboyant fashion, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in Women of all ages's hoops.
four. Brenda Frese – University of Maryland
Believed Yearly Income: $one.4 million
Brenda Frese has quietly constructed a product of consistency at Maryland because taking on in 2002. With many conference championships, a countrywide title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Match appearances, Frese has saved the Terrapins in nationwide contention for more M88 than two decades.
Her very long-phrase impact and progress of best-tier expertise have created her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Office. Her recent offer involves bonuses for academic effectiveness, wins, and postseason good results—illustrating her twin commitment to athletics and college student development.
5. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford College
Estimated Yearly Income: $1.3 million
Tara VanDerveer is not simply certainly one of the very best-compensated coaches but additionally the winningest coach in NCAA Ladies's basketball history. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time gain file and has led Stanford to a few nationwide titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and numerous Closing 4 appearances.
While VanDerveer has never 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 Shifting Landscape in Gals's Basketball
The increasing salaries of these coaches are reflective from the increasing level of popularity and economical viability of women’s school basketball. Plans are attracting far more nationwide Tv set discounts, ticket profits are expanding, and company sponsors have gotten additional invested in Gals's athletics.
The increase in coaching salaries is not only a sign of development—it’s a recognition of the effort, Management, and accomplishment these coaches provide for their plans as well as the sport in general.
Honorable Mentions
When these five coaches at present lead just how concerning earnings, various Other folks are increasing:
Kelly Graves (Oregon)
Vic Schaefer (Texas)
Jeff Walz (Louisville)
Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)
Every of such coaches has manufactured considerable strides with their respective programs and will break into your prime five in the approaching many years as women's basketball carries on to expand.
Ultimate Views
The times of underfunded Gals’s packages and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not only command significant salaries—In addition they mentor generations of athletes, form the society of their universities, and elevate Women of all ages’s basketball to new heights. Because the Activity continues to increase in recognition and guidance, we are able to hope these salaries—as well as the profiles of such leaders—to continue growing.
Women of all ages’s university basketball isn’t just holding tempo—it’s placing the rate for the future of competitive sports activities.