Girls’s university basketball has viewed exponential growth in viewership, talent, and competitiveness in the last ten years. Along with the amplified popularity and commercial achievement from the sport, specifically in NCAA Division I courses, coaching salaries have risen to replicate the worth and leadership these best-tier coaches deliver to their groups and universities. As universities continue 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 think about the five highest-paid out Females’s school 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
Approximated Annual Income: $3.one million
Dawn Staley continues being the gold normal in Females’s higher education basketball coaching. A previous WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has designed South Carolina right into a perennial powerhouse. Due to the fact taking over the program in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to multiple NCAA Remaining Four appearances and two national championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she created headlines by signing a historic 7-12 months, $22.4 million agreement, earning her the highest-paid out Black head mentor in Females's college basketball historical past. That offer has because been restructured and prolonged with functionality incentives, putting her firmly at the very best of the checklist.
two. Geno Auriemma – University of Connecticut
Believed Once-a-year Salary: $2.9 million
A residing legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies to a jaw-dropping eleven national titles. His tenure at UConn, which commenced in 1985, has remodeled This system into The most dominant dynasties in college basketball background—Adult men's or Women of all ages’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and constant effectiveness have ensured lucrative contract renewals. His present contract features a foundation salary, media obligations, apparel bargains, and hefty bonuses tied to NCAA Tournament runs. Whilst UConn has faced latest problems with injuries and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and leadership maintain his worth large.
3. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana State College (LSU)
Believed Once-a-year Wage: $2.7 million
After a successful two-ten years operate at Baylor, the place she gained three national titles, Kim Mulkey stunned the basketball earth by becoming a member of LSU in 2021. In just her second time While using the Tigers, she led them to the 2023 nationwide championship, bringing a whole new degree of excitement and Highlight to Baton Rouge.
Her high-profile arrival arrived which has a profitable eight-12 months, $23.6 million deal, making her certainly one of the very best-paid out Women of all ages’s coaches at any time. Recognized for her passionate coaching design, flamboyant style, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in Women of all ages's hoops.
4. Brenda Frese – University of Maryland
Approximated Annual Wage: $1.four million
Brenda Frese has quietly constructed a product of consistency at Maryland since taking over in 2002. With various meeting championships, a national title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Event appearances, Frese has stored the Terrapins in countrywide contention for more than two decades.
Her prolonged-term M88 impression and advancement of top-tier talent have built her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Division. Her present-day deal consists of bonuses for educational efficiency, wins, and postseason achievement—illustrating her twin commitment to athletics and pupil improvement.
5. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford College
Estimated 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 history. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time acquire report and it has led Stanford to 3 national titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and numerous Ultimate Four appearances.
When VanDerveer hasn't been 1 to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are appropriately compensated. Her leadership, growth of WNBA stars, and motivation to excellence have solidified her put among the all-time greats in coaching history.
A Modifying Landscape in Girls's Basketball
The raising salaries of such coaches are reflective with the escalating popularity and monetary viability of women’s school basketball. Applications are attracting much more national TV deals, ticket sales are increasing, and company sponsors are getting to be additional invested in Girls's athletics.
The rise in coaching salaries is not just an indication of progress—it’s a recognition from the effort, Management, and accomplishment these coaches carry for their programs and also the Activity in general.
Honorable Mentions
Whilst these 5 coaches at this time direct the way in terms of earnings, various Other folks are increasing:
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 split in to the major five in the approaching a long time as Ladies's basketball proceeds to expand.
Remaining Ideas
The times of underfunded Females’s programs and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not simply command higher salaries—Additionally they mentor generations of athletes, shape the lifestyle in their universities, and elevate women’s basketball to new heights. Since the sport continues to mature in popularity and help, we could hope these salaries—and also the profiles of these leaders—to continue increasing.
Females’s college or university basketball isn’t just keeping pace—it’s location the rate for the way forward for competitive sports activities.