Females’s college basketball has observed exponential development in viewership, expertise, and competitiveness in the last 10 years. With all the amplified popularity and commercial success with the sport, especially in NCAA Division I programs, coaching salaries have risen to replicate the worth and leadership these leading-tier coaches deliver for their groups and universities. As universities keep on to take a position in their women’s athletics departments, a handful of standout coaches are reaping the economical benefits that come with building powerhouse courses.
Below’s a look at the 5 optimum-paid women’s college or university basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing not simply their amazing salaries but additionally the achievements that justify their elite payment.
1. Dawn Staley – College of South Carolina
Estimated Once-a-year Wage: $three.1 million
Dawn Staley proceeds for being the gold standard in Gals’s higher education basketball coaching. A previous WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has created South Carolina right into a perennial powerhouse. Considering that taking over the program in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to multiple NCAA Ultimate 4 appearances and two national championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she designed headlines by signing a historic 7-12 months, $22.four million contract, building her the highest-paid Black head mentor in women's higher education basketball record. That deal has due to the fact been restructured and extended with functionality incentives, positioning her firmly at the top of this listing.
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 started in 1985, has reworked This system into Probably the most dominant dynasties in higher education basketball heritage—men's or Gals’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and dependable efficiency have ensured worthwhile agreement renewals. His latest deal features a foundation income, media obligations, attire specials, and significant bonuses tied to NCAA Event operates. When UConn has confronted new worries with accidents and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and Management retain his price significant.
three. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana Condition University (LSU)
Estimated Once-a-year Income: $two.7 million
Right after a successful two-decade operate at Baylor, wherever she gained 3 national titles, Kim Mulkey stunned the basketball environment by signing up for LSU in 2021. In only her second season with the Tigers, she led them to a 2023 countrywide championship, bringing a different degree of excitement and Highlight to Baton Rouge.
Her significant-profile arrival came having a lucrative eight-yr, $23.6 million agreement, producing her certainly one of the best-paid out Women of all ages’s coaches at any time. Recognized for her passionate coaching design, flamboyant trend, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in Females's hoops.
four. Brenda Frese – University of Maryland
Believed Yearly Salary: $one.four million
Brenda Frese has quietly designed a model of regularity at Maryland given that taking over in 2002. With many conference championships, a countrywide title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Tournament appearances, Frese has retained the Terrapins in national competition for over 20 years.
Her extended-time period effect and enhancement of best-tier expertise have made her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Office. Her present deal contains bonuses for educational general performance, wins, and postseason success—illustrating her dual commitment to athletics and pupil advancement.
5. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford University
Estimated Annual Salary: $1.three million
Tara VanDerveer is not only one of the highest-paid coaches but also the winningest mentor in NCAA Women of all ages's basketball history. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time win record and it has led Stanford to a few nationwide titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and numerous Last Four appearances.
While VanDerveer hasn't been a person to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are correctly compensated. Her Management, advancement of WNBA stars, and dedication to excellence have solidified her location among the all-time greats in coaching record.
A Switching Landscape in Gals's Basketball
The rising salaries of those coaches are reflective from the growing attractiveness and money viability of ladies’s university basketball. Programs are attracting extra nationwide TV promotions, ticket profits are escalating, and company sponsors have gotten much more invested in women's sports activities.
The increase in coaching salaries is not simply a sign of development—it’s a recognition with the effort, leadership, and achievements these coaches provide to their systems as well as the Activity as a whole.
Honorable Mentions
When these five coaches at the moment lead the best way when it M88 comes to earnings, various Other individuals are rising:
Kelly Graves (Oregon)
Vic Schaefer (Texas)
Jeff Walz (Louisville)
Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)
Each and every of such coaches has produced significant strides with their respective courses and will break in the best 5 in the approaching many years as Gals's basketball proceeds to develop.
Closing Views
The days of underfunded Females’s systems and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not only command large salaries—Additionally they mentor generations of athletes, condition the society in their universities, and elevate Ladies’s basketball to new heights. Since the Activity proceeds to mature in recognition and assist, we can easily expect these salaries—as well as the profiles of those leaders—to continue climbing.
Gals’s college basketball isn’t just maintaining pace—it’s setting the tempo for the future of competitive sports.