5 Maximum-Paid Ladies's University Basketball Coaches
5 Maximum-Paid Ladies's University Basketball Coaches
Blog Article
Gals’s university basketball has found exponential growth in viewership, expertise, and competitiveness in the last ten years. Using the improved acceptance and business accomplishment on the sport, especially in NCAA Division I applications, coaching salaries have risen to reflect the worth and Management these prime-tier coaches carry 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 consider the five best-paid out Ladies’s college basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing don't just 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 developed 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 seven-yr, $22.four million deal, generating her the best-paid Black head coach in Women of all ages's university basketball record. That deal has considering that been restructured and prolonged with efficiency incentives, inserting her firmly at the top of this checklist.
two. Geno Auriemma – College of Connecticut
Believed Annual Salary: $2.9 million
A residing legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies to the jaw-dropping eleven national titles. His tenure at UConn, which began in 1985, has remodeled the program into One of the more dominant dynasties in school basketball historical past—Adult men's or women’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and constant functionality have ensured valuable deal renewals. His current contract includes a foundation income, media obligations, clothing deals, and significant bonuses tied to NCAA Event operates. Though UConn has confronted recent challenges 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 countrywide titles, Kim Mulkey shocked the basketball planet by joining LSU in 2021. In only her next year With all the Tigers, she led them to the 2023 countrywide championship, bringing a new stage of excitement and Highlight to Baton Rouge.
Her significant-profile arrival came with a valuable 8-calendar year, $23.six million contract, building her one among the highest-paid out Ladies’s coaches at any time. Known for her passionate coaching design and style, flamboyant trend, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in women's hoops.
four. Brenda Frese – College of Maryland
Estimated Once-a-year Salary: $1.four million
Brenda Frese has quietly developed a product of consistency at Maryland due to the fact taking over in 2002. With many conference championships, a nationwide title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Event appearances, Frese has stored the Terrapins in nationwide contention for over 20 years.
Her long-phrase effects and advancement of major-tier talent have created her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Office. Her present deal incorporates bonuses for academic efficiency, wins, and postseason achievements—illustrating her dual commitment to athletics and college student enhancement.
five. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford University
Estimated Annual Salary: $1.3 million
Tara VanDerveer is not simply amongst the highest-paid coaches but additionally the winningest coach in NCAA Girls's basketball heritage. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time gain record and it has led Stanford to three countrywide titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and numerous Final Four appearances.
While VanDerveer has never been 1 to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are appropriately compensated. Her leadership, improvement of WNBA stars, and dedication to excellence have M88 solidified her spot One of the all-time greats in coaching historical past.
A Shifting Landscape in Girls's Basketball
The rising salaries of those coaches are reflective in the developing recognition and financial viability of women’s college basketball. Applications are attracting much more national Television set promotions, ticket sales are expanding, and company sponsors have gotten far more invested in Females's sports activities.
The rise in coaching salaries is not merely an indication of progress—it’s a recognition of the effort, leadership, and good results these coaches deliver for their systems plus the sport in general.
Honorable Mentions
When these five coaches currently guide the best way when it comes to earnings, several Many others are increasing:
Kelly Graves (Oregon)
Vic Schaefer (Texas)
Jeff Walz (Louisville)
Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)
Every of such coaches has created substantial strides with their respective courses and could crack in to the major five in the approaching a long time as Women of all ages's basketball carries on to grow.
Ultimate Thoughts
The days of underfunded Women of all ages’s plans and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not only command substantial salaries—In addition they mentor generations of athletes, shape the lifestyle in their universities, and elevate Females’s basketball to new heights. Given that the sport carries on to mature in acceptance 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 speed—it’s location the rate for the future of competitive sports activities.