Females’s school basketball has viewed exponential advancement in viewership, expertise, and competitiveness over the past decade. Along with the elevated reputation and industrial results of your Activity, particularly in NCAA Division I systems, coaching salaries have risen to mirror the value and leadership these top-tier coaches bring for their groups and universities. As universities keep on to take a position in their women’s athletics departments, a few standout coaches are reaping the economical 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 but in addition 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 common in Ladies’s college basketball coaching. A former WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has built 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 4 appearances and two countrywide championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she created headlines by signing a historic seven-year, $22.4 million deal, producing her the best-paid Black head coach in Gals's school basketball heritage. That offer has given 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 Wage: $2.nine million
A dwelling legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies to a jaw-dropping 11 nationwide titles. His tenure at UConn, which started in 1985, has reworked This system into Probably the most dominant dynasties in higher education basketball record—men's or Females’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and reliable performance have ensured profitable contract renewals. His existing agreement includes a base wage, media obligations, attire discounts, and significant bonuses tied to NCAA Match runs. Although UConn has faced current worries with accidents and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and leadership continue to keep his worth high.
3. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana Condition University (LSU)
Approximated Yearly Wage: $two.seven million
Just after An effective two-decade operate at Baylor, the place she gained a few countrywide titles, Kim Mulkey shocked the basketball entire world by becoming a member of LSU in 2021. In just her second time with the Tigers, she led them to the 2023 countrywide championship, bringing a different stage of excitement and spotlight to Baton Rouge.
Her significant-profile arrival came by using a worthwhile 8-yr, $23.six million agreement, generating her one among the highest-compensated Gals’s coaches ever. Noted for her passionate coaching model, flamboyant trend, and championship pedigree, 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 created 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 kept the Terrapins in national rivalry for over twenty years.
Her extended-time period affect and development of top rated-tier expertise have created her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Office. Her recent deal incorporates bonuses for academic functionality, wins, and postseason results—illustrating her twin commitment to athletics and pupil improvement.
5. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford University
Approximated Once-a-year Income: $1.three million
Tara VanDerveer is not just considered one of the best-paid coaches but also the winningest coach in NCAA Gals's basketball history. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time get history and it has led Stanford to 3 national titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and various Last Four appearances.
When VanDerveer has never been just one 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 Among the many all-time greats in coaching record.
A Changing Landscape in Females's Basketball
The rising salaries of such coaches are reflective of the expanding acceptance and money viability of girls’s college basketball. Applications are attracting additional nationwide Tv set discounts, ticket income are rising, and corporate sponsors have become much more invested in Gals's sports.
The rise in coaching salaries is not merely an indication of progress—it’s a recognition in the labor, Management, and achievements these coaches convey to their applications and also the sport in general.
Honorable Mentions
Although these 5 coaches currently lead how concerning earnings, several Some others are rising:
Kelly Graves (Oregon)
Vic Schaefer (Texas)
Jeff Walz (Louisville)
Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)
Each and every of those coaches has manufactured important strides with their respective systems and could M88 crack into the leading 5 in the coming years as Gals's basketball continues to improve.
Last 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 Females’s basketball to new heights. Given that the sport carries on to mature in reputation and aid, we are able to be expecting these salaries—as well as the profiles of those leaders—to carry on increasing.
Women’s college or university basketball isn’t just keeping tempo—it’s setting the tempo for the future of competitive sports.