Women of all ages’s higher education basketball has found 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 programs, coaching salaries have risen to replicate the worth and leadership these prime-tier coaches carry to their groups and universities. As universities go on to speculate inside their Females’s athletics departments, several standout coaches are reaping the monetary benefits that come with creating powerhouse applications.
Here’s a think about the five best-paid out Females’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 – University of South Carolina
Believed Annual Income: $3.one million
Dawn Staley continues to generally be the gold typical in Females’s college basketball coaching. A previous WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has constructed South Carolina right into a perennial powerhouse. Because taking on the program in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to a number of NCAA Final Four appearances and two countrywide championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she created headlines by signing a historic seven-year, $22.4 million deal, creating her the very best-compensated Black head coach in Gals's school basketball heritage. That offer has considering the fact that been restructured and prolonged with performance incentives, positioning her firmly at the very best of the record.
2. Geno Auriemma – University of Connecticut
Approximated Annual Salary: $two.nine 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 Among the most dominant dynasties in faculty basketball record—Guys's or Gals’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and consistent efficiency have ensured beneficial deal renewals. His current contract includes a base salary, media obligations, attire discounts, and significant bonuses tied to NCAA Match operates. While UConn has faced modern troubles with accidents and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and Management retain his benefit superior.
three. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana Point out College (LSU)
Approximated Yearly Wage: $2.seven million
Following a successful two-decade operate at Baylor, where she received a few nationwide titles, Kim Mulkey shocked the basketball planet by joining LSU in 2021. In just her second time Along with the Tigers, she led them to M88 some 2023 countrywide championship, bringing a completely new amount of pleasure and spotlight to Baton Rouge.
Her higher-profile arrival came with a lucrative eight-12 months, $23.6 million deal, 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 Ladies's hoops.
four. Brenda Frese – University of Maryland
Estimated Yearly Wage: $1.four million
Brenda Frese has quietly designed a design of regularity 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 20 years.
Her long-expression influence and enhancement of best-tier expertise have created her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Office. Her existing offer consists of bonuses for educational overall performance, wins, and postseason achievements—illustrating her dual motivation to athletics and student growth.
five. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford University
Approximated Yearly Income: $one.3 million
Tara VanDerveer is not merely amongst the highest-paid out coaches and also the winningest mentor in NCAA Ladies's basketball historical past. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time gain record and has led Stanford to three nationwide titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and various Remaining Four appearances.
Whilst VanDerveer has never been one particular to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are correctly compensated. Her Management, enhancement of WNBA stars, and commitment to excellence have solidified her location One of the all-time greats in coaching historical past.
A Transforming Landscape in Women of all ages's Basketball
The growing salaries of these coaches are reflective from the developing level of popularity and economical viability of girls’s college or university basketball. Programs are attracting much more national Television set promotions, ticket gross sales are expanding, and company sponsors have gotten far more invested in Gals's athletics.
The rise in coaching salaries is not just an indication of development—it’s a recognition in the labor, leadership, and success these coaches convey for their packages as well as the sport in general.
Honorable Mentions
Even though these five coaches currently guide the best way with regards to earnings, a number of others are rising:
Kelly Graves (Oregon)
Vic Schaefer (Texas)
Jeff Walz (Louisville)
Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)
Every single of these coaches has built major strides with their respective plans and will split in to the major five in the approaching several years as Ladies's basketball proceeds to expand.
Remaining Ideas
The times of underfunded Girls’s programs and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not simply command large salaries—In addition they mentor generations of athletes, shape the lifestyle of their universities, and elevate Females’s basketball to new heights. As being the sport carries on to increase in reputation and support, we will expect these salaries—along with the profiles of such leaders—to continue growing.
Women of all ages’s higher education basketball isn’t just keeping tempo—it’s placing the rate for the future of competitive sports activities.