Women’s university basketball has found exponential growth in viewership, talent, and competitiveness over the past decade. Along with the amplified recognition and professional success from the sport, especially in NCAA Division I applications, coaching salaries have risen to reflect the worth and Management these top rated-tier coaches deliver for their groups and universities. As universities keep on to take a position within their Ladies’s athletics departments, a few standout coaches are reaping the financial benefits that come with developing powerhouse programs.
In this article’s a consider the five best-paid out Females’s school basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing don't just their outstanding 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 carries on to be the gold typical in Females’s school 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 many NCAA Last 4 appearances and two countrywide championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she created headlines by signing a historic seven-calendar year, $22.4 million agreement, making her the very best-compensated Black head coach in Females's school basketball heritage. That offer has given that been restructured and prolonged with overall performance incentives, inserting her firmly at the top of this checklist.
two. Geno Auriemma – College of Connecticut
Estimated Annual Wage: $two.nine million
A dwelling legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies to a jaw-dropping 11 nationwide titles. His tenure at UConn, which commenced in 1985, has reworked This system into Just about the most dominant dynasties in faculty basketball history—Guys's or Girls’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and constant performance have ensured worthwhile deal renewals. His present-day deal features a foundation income, media obligations, clothing deals, and hefty bonuses tied to NCAA Event operates. While UConn has confronted recent difficulties with injuries and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and Management keep his value large.
3. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana State University (LSU)
Approximated Yearly Salary: $two.seven million
Just after A prosperous two-ten years operate at Baylor, the place she received a few nationwide titles, Kim Mulkey shocked the basketball globe by joining LSU in 2021. In only her 2nd period With all the Tigers, she led them to some 2023 national championship, bringing a new amount of excitement and spotlight to Baton Rouge.
Her high-profile arrival arrived by using a worthwhile 8-calendar year, $23.6 million contract, earning her considered one of the very best-compensated Gals’s coaches ever. Noted for her passionate coaching model, flamboyant trend, and championship pedigree, M88 Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in Ladies's hoops.
four. Brenda Frese – University of Maryland
Believed Yearly Income: $1.four million
Brenda Frese has quietly developed a product of consistency 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 held the Terrapins in national competition for more than two decades.
Her extensive-phrase effects and growth of best-tier expertise have created her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Office. Her existing offer includes bonuses for educational overall performance, wins, and postseason results—illustrating her dual determination to athletics and student progress.
5. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford University
Approximated Once-a-year Wage: $one.3 million
Tara VanDerveer is not simply certainly one of the very best-paid out coaches but in addition the winningest mentor in NCAA women's basketball background. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time acquire history and it has led Stanford to 3 national titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and numerous Ultimate Four appearances.
When VanDerveer hasn't been one to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are appropriately compensated. Her leadership, advancement of WNBA stars, and motivation to excellence have solidified her position Amongst the all-time greats in coaching record.
A Changing Landscape in Ladies's Basketball
The raising salaries of these coaches are reflective with the growing level of popularity and economical viability of ladies’s higher education basketball. Packages are attracting much more nationwide TV offers, ticket product sales are rising, and corporate sponsors are becoming more invested in women's sports.
The increase in coaching salaries is not simply a sign of development—it’s a recognition with the exertions, leadership, and success these coaches bring for their systems along with the sport in general.
Honorable Mentions
Even though 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 manufactured substantial strides with their respective courses and could crack in to the major five in the approaching a long time as women's basketball carries on to develop.
Closing Thoughts
The times of underfunded women’s systems and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not just command superior salaries—they also mentor generations of athletes, form the culture of their universities, and elevate Gals’s basketball to new heights. Because the Activity proceeds to develop in attractiveness and assistance, we could anticipate these salaries—plus the profiles of such leaders—to continue increasing.
Women of all ages’s school basketball isn’t just preserving pace—it’s environment the tempo for the way forward for aggressive sporting activities.