Females’s university basketball has viewed exponential advancement in viewership, expertise, and competitiveness in the last ten years. Together with the greater attractiveness and professional success of the Activity, specifically in NCAA Division I courses, coaching salaries have risen to replicate the worth and leadership these best-tier coaches deliver to their groups and universities. As universities go on to speculate within their Females’s athletics departments, a handful of standout coaches are reaping the economical benefits that come with developing powerhouse programs.

In this article’s a think about the five highest-compensated Girls’s university basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing not just their impressive salaries and also the achievements that justify their elite compensation.

one. Dawn Staley – University of South Carolina
Believed Yearly Salary: $three.one million

Dawn Staley proceeds being the gold common in Ladies’s college or university basketball coaching. A previous WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has built South Carolina right into a perennial powerhouse. Considering the fact that taking over This system in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to several NCAA Last Four appearances and two countrywide championships (2017 and 2022).

In 2021, she created headlines by signing a historic seven-yr, $22.four million deal, generating her the best-paid Black head mentor in women's higher education basketball history. That deal has considering the fact that been restructured and extended with general performance incentives, putting her firmly at the highest of the checklist.

2. Geno Auriemma – College of Connecticut
Believed Annual Salary: $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 commenced in 1985, has reworked This system into Just about 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 present-day contract features a foundation wage, media obligations, apparel offers, and significant bonuses tied to NCAA Tournament runs. Whilst UConn has faced current troubles with accidents and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and Management preserve his benefit high.

3. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana Condition College (LSU)
Believed Once-a-year Wage: $2.7 million

Soon after An effective two-10 years run at Baylor, exactly where she won a few countrywide titles, Kim Mulkey stunned the basketball planet by signing up for LSU in 2021. In only her 2nd season Along with the Tigers, she led them to the 2023 countrywide championship, bringing a whole new stage of pleasure and spotlight to Baton Rouge.

Her higher-profile arrival arrived which has a profitable eight-yr, $23.6 million deal, building her amongst the best-paid women’s coaches at any time. Known for her passionate coaching style, flamboyant vogue, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in Girls's hoops.

4. Brenda Frese – College of Maryland
Estimated Once-a-year Salary: $one.4 million

Brenda Frese has quietly designed a design of regularity at Maryland due to the fact taking over in 2002. With various meeting championships, a nationwide title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA M88 Event appearances, Frese has retained the Terrapins in national competition for over 20 years.

Her long-expression influence and enhancement of best-tier expertise have produced her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Section. Her present offer includes bonuses for educational overall performance, wins, and postseason results—illustrating her dual dedication to athletics and university student improvement.

five. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford College
Believed Annual Wage: $one.three million

Tara VanDerveer is not only among the best-paid coaches but additionally the winningest mentor in NCAA Women of all ages'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 diverse Closing 4 appearances.

Though VanDerveer has never been 1 to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are properly compensated. Her leadership, progress of WNBA stars, and commitment to excellence have solidified her location One of the all-time greats in coaching historical past.

A Switching Landscape in Ladies's Basketball
The escalating salaries of these coaches are reflective in the increasing attractiveness and financial viability of girls’s college basketball. Applications are attracting much more national TV deals, ticket sales are increasing, and corporate sponsors have become a lot more invested in Females's sports.

The increase in coaching salaries is not only a sign of progress—it’s a recognition on the labor, Management, and achievements these coaches convey to their courses as well as sport in general.

Honorable Mentions
Although these 5 coaches at present guide how with regards to earnings, various Other folks are rising:

Kelly Graves (Oregon)

Vic Schaefer (Texas)

Jeff Walz (Louisville)

Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)

Every single of these coaches has designed substantial strides with their respective applications and will crack into your leading 5 in the approaching several years as Females's basketball proceeds to expand.

Last Views
The days of underfunded women’s plans and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not only command high salaries—In addition they mentor generations of athletes, condition the tradition in their universities, and elevate Females’s basketball to new heights. As the sport continues to mature in reputation and support, we will hope these salaries—as well as the profiles of these leaders—to carry on rising.

Girls’s higher education basketball isn’t just retaining speed—it’s placing the speed for the future of competitive sports activities.