Women of all ages’s college or university basketball has noticed exponential expansion in viewership, expertise, and competitiveness over the past decade. While using the elevated recognition and commercial achievement in the sport, especially in NCAA Division I programs, coaching salaries have risen to replicate the worth and Management these best-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 include creating powerhouse applications.
Here’s a think about the five greatest-compensated Girls’s university basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing not just their impressive salaries but additionally the achievements that justify their elite payment.
1. Dawn Staley – College of South Carolina
Approximated Annual Wage: $3.one million
Dawn Staley continues to generally be the gold common in Ladies’s university basketball coaching. A previous WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has created South Carolina right into a perennial powerhouse. Due to the fact taking over This system in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to multiple NCAA Closing Four appearances and two nationwide championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she made headlines by signing a historic 7-calendar year, $22.4 million agreement, earning her the very best-compensated Black head mentor in Females's university basketball historical past. That offer has given that been restructured and prolonged with functionality incentives, positioning her firmly at the top of this listing.
two. Geno Auriemma – University of Connecticut
Estimated 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 faculty basketball history—Guys's or Gals’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and consistent efficiency have ensured beneficial deal renewals. His current contract includes a base income, media obligations, apparel offers, and hefty bonuses tied to NCAA Tournament runs. Whilst UConn has faced current problems with injuries and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and leadership maintain his value higher.
3. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana State College (LSU)
Believed Once-a-year Income: $two.7 million
Soon after An effective two-decade run at Baylor, where by she received 3 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 rewarding 8-12 months, $23.6 million deal, building her considered one of the very best-paid Gals’s coaches ever. Recognized 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
Approximated Annual Wage: $1.four million
Brenda Frese has quietly constructed a product of consistency at Maryland since taking on in 2002. With several meeting championships, a nationwide title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Event appearances, Frese has stored the Terrapins in countrywide contention for more than two decades.
Her very long-term impression and advancement of major-tier talent have built her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Division. Her latest deal involves bonuses for tutorial efficiency, wins, and postseason success—illustrating her dual motivation to athletics and student growth.
five. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford College
Estimated Annual Wage: $one.three million
Tara VanDerveer is not only among the best-compensated coaches but also the winningest coach in NCAA Girls's basketball heritage. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time win document and has led Stanford to a few nationwide titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and various Ultimate 4 appearances.
Though VanDerveer has never been a single to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are correctly compensated. Her leadership, progress of WNBA stars, and dedication to excellence have solidified her position Amongst the all-time greats in coaching history.
A Modifying Landscape in Girls's Basketball
The expanding salaries of such coaches are reflective of the expanding reputation and fiscal viability of ladies’s faculty basketball. Courses are attracting more countrywide Television set promotions, ticket sales are increasing, and company sponsors are getting to be more invested in women's sports.
The increase in coaching salaries is not merely an indication of progress—it’s a recognition from the hard work, Management, and achievements these coaches provide to their plans and also the Activity in general.
Honorable Mentions
Even though these five coaches currently guide the best way regarding earnings, numerous Other people M88 are rising:
Kelly Graves (Oregon)
Vic Schaefer (Texas)
Jeff Walz (Louisville)
Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)
Just about every of those coaches has produced significant strides with their respective systems and could crack to the leading 5 in the coming decades as Girls's basketball continues to improve.
Ultimate Views
The days of underfunded women’s systems and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not just command superior salaries—Additionally they mentor generations of athletes, condition the tradition in their universities, and elevate women’s basketball to new heights. As being the sport carries on to mature in acceptance and assistance, we could hope these salaries—as well as the profiles of such leaders—to continue mounting.
Ladies’s faculty basketball isn’t just keeping tempo—it’s placing the rate for the future of competitive athletics.