five Greatest-Paid out Girls's School Basketball Coaches
five Greatest-Paid out Girls's School Basketball Coaches
Blog Article
Women of all ages’s higher education basketball has seen exponential development in viewership, talent, and competitiveness over the past decade. With the improved acceptance and business results with the Activity, particularly in NCAA Division I packages, coaching salaries have risen to mirror the value and Management these major-tier coaches convey for their teams and universities. As universities proceed to invest in their women’s athletics departments, a handful of 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 university basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing not only their spectacular salaries but will also the achievements that justify their elite payment.
1. Dawn Staley – College of South Carolina
Approximated Once-a-year Wage: $three.1 million
Dawn Staley continues to get the gold normal in women’s faculty basketball coaching. A previous WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has constructed South Carolina right into a perennial powerhouse. Since taking up the program in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to many NCAA Ultimate 4 appearances and two national championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she built headlines by signing a historic 7-calendar year, $22.4 million deal, creating her the very best-paid out Black head mentor in Ladies's college basketball heritage. That offer has due to the fact been restructured and extended with general performance incentives, putting her firmly at the best of this checklist.
two. Geno Auriemma – College of Connecticut
Estimated Yearly Income: $two.9 million
A living legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies to the jaw-dropping 11 national titles. His tenure at UConn, which started in 1985, has reworked This system into Just about the most dominant dynasties in college or university basketball background—Adult men's or women’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and steady effectiveness have ensured profitable agreement renewals. His recent deal features a foundation income, media obligations, clothing offers, and significant bonuses tied to NCAA Tournament runs. Whilst UConn has faced latest difficulties with injuries and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and leadership preserve his worth substantial.
3. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana Condition University (LSU)
Estimated Annual Salary: $2.7 million
Soon after An effective two-10 years run at Baylor, the place she gained three national titles, Kim Mulkey stunned the basketball environment by signing up for LSU in 2021. In just her second season While using the Tigers, she led them to the 2023 countrywide championship, bringing a completely new stage of excitement and spotlight to Baton Rouge.
Her high-profile arrival arrived by using a worthwhile 8-calendar year, $23.six million contract, making her amongst the best-paid women’s coaches at any time. Recognized for her passionate coaching design, flamboyant style, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in Women of all ages's hoops.
four. Brenda Frese – University of Maryland
Approximated Annual Income: $1.four million
Brenda Frese has quietly developed a product of consistency at Maryland because taking on in 2002. With several meeting championships, a nationwide title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Event appearances, Frese has held the Terrapins in countrywide competition for more than two decades.
Her extensive-phrase effects and growth of top-tier talent have built her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Division. Her present-day deal incorporates bonuses for academic effectiveness, wins, and postseason good results—illustrating her twin determination to athletics and pupil enhancement.
5. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford University
Approximated Once-a-year Income: $1.3 million
Tara VanDerveer is not merely amongst the highest-compensated M88 coaches but additionally the winningest mentor in NCAA Women of all ages's basketball background. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time earn record and has led Stanford to a few nationwide titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and various Final Four appearances.
Even though VanDerveer hasn't been one to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are appropriately compensated. Her leadership, growth of WNBA stars, and determination to excellence have solidified her place One of the all-time greats in coaching historical past.
A Transforming Landscape in Women's Basketball
The growing salaries of these coaches are reflective in the increasing attractiveness and financial viability of women’s school basketball. Plans are attracting a lot more nationwide Television bargains, ticket income are rising, and corporate sponsors have become a lot more invested in Females's athletics.
The rise in coaching salaries is not only a sign of development—it’s a recognition with the exertions, leadership, and achievement these coaches bring for their courses as well as sport as a whole.
Honorable Mentions
While these 5 coaches at the moment direct the way regarding earnings, numerous Other people are rising:
Kelly Graves (Oregon)
Vic Schaefer (Texas)
Jeff Walz (Louisville)
Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)
Each individual of those coaches has produced sizeable strides with their respective systems and could crack to the leading 5 in the coming yrs as Girls's basketball proceeds to increase.
Last Views
The days of underfunded Women of all ages’s packages and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not only command significant salaries—they also mentor generations of athletes, condition the culture in their universities, and elevate women’s basketball to new heights. As being the sport carries on to mature in acceptance and support, we could expect these salaries—plus the profiles of these leaders—to continue mounting.
Women’s faculty basketball isn’t just maintaining tempo—it’s placing the rate for the future of competitive athletics.