Ladies’s faculty basketball has noticed exponential progress in viewership, expertise, and competitiveness in the last ten years. Using the enhanced recognition and business achievements of the Activity, specifically in NCAA Division I courses, coaching salaries have risen to replicate the value and leadership these leading-tier coaches bring for their groups and universities. As universities keep on to take a position in 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 look at the 5 optimum-paid women’s college or university basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing not simply their amazing salaries but additionally the achievements that justify their elite payment.
1. Dawn Staley – College of South Carolina
Approximated Once-a-year Wage: $three.1 million
Dawn Staley proceeds for being the gold standard in Gals’s university basketball coaching. A previous WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has created South Carolina right into a perennial powerhouse. Considering that taking over the program in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to various NCAA Ultimate 4 appearances and two national championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she designed headlines by signing a historic 7-12 months, $22.four million contract, generating her the best-paid Black head mentor in women's higher education basketball history. That deal has due to the fact been restructured and prolonged with effectiveness incentives, placing her firmly at the very best of this record.
two. Geno Auriemma – University of Connecticut
Estimated Yearly Wage: $two.nine million
A residing legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies to a 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 higher education basketball heritage—men's or Ladies’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and regular general performance have ensured profitable contract renewals. His existing agreement includes a base salary, media obligations, apparel offers, and hefty bonuses tied to NCAA Tournament runs. While UConn has faced recent difficulties with injuries and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and Management keep his benefit high.
three. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana Point out College (LSU)
Approximated Annual Salary: $two.seven million
Immediately after An effective two-10 years run at Baylor, exactly where she won a few nationwide titles, Kim Mulkey shocked the basketball globe by joining LSU in 2021. In just her next time While using the Tigers, she led them to your 2023 nationwide championship, bringing a fresh level of pleasure and Highlight to Baton Rouge.
Her large-profile arrival came which has a valuable 8-year, $23.six million contract, making her one of the very best-paid women’s coaches at any time. Known for her passionate coaching type, flamboyant trend, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in Ladies's hoops.
four. Brenda Frese – University of Maryland
Estimated Yearly Salary: $1.four million
Brenda Frese has quietly designed a model of regularity at Maryland given that taking on in 2002. With a number of conference championships, a nationwide title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Event appearances, Frese has saved the Terrapins in nationwide competition for more than two decades.
Her extensive-term impact and growth of leading-tier talent have manufactured her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Office. Her present deal contains bonuses for tutorial functionality, wins, and postseason success—illustrating her dual motivation to athletics and student growth.
five. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford College
Estimated Yearly Income: $one.three million
Tara VanDerveer is not simply considered one of the highest-paid out coaches but also the winningest coach in NCAA Gals'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 4 appearances.
Though VanDerveer has never been a single to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are properly compensated. Her Management, improvement of WNBA stars, and dedication to excellence have solidified her area Amongst the all-time greats in coaching history.
A Shifting Landscape in Ladies's Basketball
The escalating salaries of those coaches are reflective on the rising attractiveness and financial viability of women’s school basketball. Plans are attracting a lot more national TV offers, ticket revenue are growing, and company sponsors are getting to be extra invested in Women of all ages's athletics.
The rise in coaching salaries is not only a sign of development—it’s a recognition on the labor, leadership, and achievements these coaches convey to their plans and also the Activity as a whole.
Honorable Mentions
Whilst these 5 coaches at the moment lead just how concerning earnings, various Other folks are on the rise:
Kelly Graves (Oregon)
Vic Schaefer (Texas)
Jeff Walz (Louisville)
Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)
Each individual of those coaches has produced sizeable strides with their respective packages and could split into the top rated five M88 in the approaching many years as Gals's basketball continues to mature.
Ultimate Views
The days of underfunded Gals’s applications and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches don't just command large salaries—In addition they mentor generations of athletes, shape the lifestyle in their universities, and elevate Ladies’s basketball to new heights. Given that the sport carries on to improve in reputation and aid, we are able to be expecting these salaries—and also the profiles of those leaders—to carry on rising.
Females’s college or university basketball isn’t just maintaining tempo—it’s placing the rate for the future of competitive sports activities.