Gals’s college basketball has witnessed exponential advancement in viewership, expertise, and competitiveness in the last ten years. Along with the amplified popularity and commercial achievement in the sport, especially in NCAA Division I applications, coaching salaries have risen to reflect the worth and Management these prime-tier coaches carry for their teams and universities. As universities keep on to speculate inside their Girls’s athletics departments, a number of standout coaches are reaping the fiscal rewards that come with setting up powerhouse systems.
Below’s a consider the 5 optimum-paid out women’s college basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing don't just their spectacular salaries and also the achievements that justify their elite compensation.
one. Dawn Staley – University of South Carolina
Believed Annual Income: $3.one million
Dawn Staley continues to be the gold conventional in Girls’s school basketball coaching. A previous WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has crafted South Carolina right into a perennial powerhouse. Considering that taking over the program in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to multiple NCAA Final 4 appearances and two countrywide championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she designed headlines by signing a historic 7-12 months, $22.four million contract, earning her the very best-compensated Black head coach in Girls's school basketball background. That offer has due to the fact been restructured and extended with performance incentives, putting her firmly at the highest of the list.
2. Geno Auriemma – University of Connecticut
Approximated Once-a-year Income: $2.9 million
A residing legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies to your jaw-dropping eleven national titles. His tenure at UConn, which began in 1985, has remodeled This system into one of the most dominant dynasties in university basketball heritage—Adult males's or Ladies’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and regular general performance have ensured rewarding agreement renewals. His recent deal features a foundation wage, media obligations, attire specials, and significant bonuses tied to NCAA Event operates. Though UConn has confronted new difficulties with accidents and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and Management keep his value higher.
3. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana State University (LSU)
Estimated Once-a-year Income: $two.seven million
Right after An effective two-10 years run at Baylor, exactly where she won three countrywide titles, Kim Mulkey shocked the basketball planet by joining LSU in 2021. In just her second time Using the Tigers, she led them to a 2023 countrywide championship, bringing a completely new stage of excitement and spotlight to Baton Rouge.
Her superior-profile arrival arrived using a rewarding 8-12 months, $23.6 million contract, earning her amongst the very best-paid out Girls’s coaches ever. Noted for her passionate coaching type, flamboyant style, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in women's hoops.
four. Brenda Frese – University of Maryland
Believed Annual Income: $1.four million
Brenda Frese has quietly developed 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 Event appearances, Frese has held the Terrapins in national competition for more than twenty years.
Her prolonged-phrase M88 affect and advancement of prime-tier expertise have manufactured her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic department. Her latest deal includes bonuses for educational performance, wins, and postseason achievement—illustrating her dual commitment to athletics and pupil development.
5. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford College
Believed 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 heritage. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time gain record and it has led Stanford to three nationwide titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and various Remaining Four appearances.
Even though VanDerveer hasn't been 1 to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are properly compensated. Her Management, improvement of WNBA stars, and motivation to excellence have solidified her spot Among the many all-time greats in coaching record.
A Changing Landscape in Ladies's Basketball
The escalating salaries of those coaches are reflective on the rising popularity and financial viability of women’s school basketball. Applications are attracting a lot more national TV offers, ticket revenue are growing, and company sponsors are getting to be additional invested in Gals's athletics.
The rise in coaching salaries is not just an indication of development—it’s a recognition in the labor, Management, and achievements these coaches provide for their plans as well as the sport in general.
Honorable Mentions
Although these five coaches presently guide how regarding earnings, numerous others are rising:
Kelly Graves (Oregon)
Vic Schaefer (Texas)
Jeff Walz (Louisville)
Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)
Each individual of these coaches has manufactured considerable strides with their respective programs and will crack in the leading 5 in the coming years as Females's basketball continues to grow.
Ultimate Thoughts
The days of underfunded Women of all ages’s packages and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not only command significant salaries—they also mentor generations of athletes, form the lifestyle of their universities, and elevate Females’s basketball to new heights. As the Activity continues to increase in recognition and guidance, we can assume these salaries—and also the profiles of those leaders—to carry on soaring.
Females’s college or university basketball isn’t just maintaining speed—it’s placing the rate for the future of competitive sports activities.