Females’s college or university basketball has found exponential development in viewership, talent, and competitiveness in the last ten years. While using the increased attractiveness and industrial good results of your Activity, particularly in NCAA Division I plans, coaching salaries have risen to mirror the worth and Management these top-tier coaches provide to their teams and universities. As universities keep on to invest inside their Females’s athletics departments, a couple of standout coaches are reaping the financial benefits that include making powerhouse packages.
Here’s a consider the five maximum-paid Females’s higher education basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing not only their spectacular salaries but additionally the achievements that justify their elite compensation.
1. Dawn Staley – University of South Carolina
Believed Annual Income: $3.one million
Dawn Staley continues to generally be the gold standard in Ladies’s college basketball coaching. A former WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has developed South Carolina into a perennial powerhouse. Due to the fact taking up the program in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to many NCAA Remaining 4 appearances and two countrywide championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she created headlines by signing a historic seven-year, $22.4 million deal, earning her the very best-compensated Black head coach in Girls's college basketball background. That offer has considering that been restructured and extended with effectiveness incentives, putting her firmly at the best of this checklist.
two. Geno Auriemma – College of Connecticut
Approximated Yearly Salary: $two.9 million
A dwelling legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies to the jaw-dropping eleven national titles. His tenure at UConn, which commenced in 1985, has transformed This system into Among the most dominant dynasties in higher education basketball history—Gentlemen's or Ladies’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and steady functionality have ensured valuable contract renewals. His present agreement features a foundation income, media obligations, clothing deals, and hefty bonuses tied to NCAA Match runs. Though UConn has faced latest challenges with injuries and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and leadership hold his value superior.
three. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana Point out College (LSU)
Approximated Once-a-year Salary: $2.seven million
After a successful two-10 years operate at Baylor, where by 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 season with the Tigers, she led them to a 2023 countrywide championship, bringing a different stage of excitement and spotlight to Baton Rouge.
Her superior-profile arrival came with a rewarding eight-12 months, $23.six million contract, making her certainly one of the best-paid women’s coaches ever. Noted for her passionate coaching design, flamboyant manner, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in Females's hoops.
four. Brenda Frese – University of Maryland
Approximated Annual Wage: $one.4 million
Brenda Frese has quietly crafted a model of consistency at Maryland considering the fact that taking over in 2002. With many meeting championships, a national title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Tournament appearances, Frese has retained the Terrapins in countrywide rivalry for more than twenty years.
Her extended-time period effect and development of top rated-tier expertise have produced her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Division. Her latest offer consists of bonuses for academic effectiveness, wins, and postseason achievement—illustrating her dual commitment to athletics and pupil growth.
5. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford College
Believed Once-a-year Wage: $1.three million
Tara VanDerveer is not merely one among the highest-paid coaches but also the winningest M88 mentor in NCAA Gals's basketball heritage. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time acquire document and it has led Stanford to a few countrywide titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and diverse Last 4 appearances.
Even though VanDerveer has never been a person to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are properly compensated. Her Management, advancement of WNBA stars, and determination to excellence have solidified her position One of the all-time greats in coaching history.
A Shifting Landscape in Females's Basketball
The expanding salaries of these coaches are reflective on the expanding attractiveness and economic viability of ladies’s college basketball. Packages are attracting more national Television promotions, ticket income are expanding, and company sponsors have gotten far more invested in Girls's sporting activities.
The rise in coaching salaries is not simply a sign of development—it’s a recognition of your effort, Management, and success these coaches bring for their systems along with the sport in general.
Honorable Mentions
When these five coaches presently guide how regarding earnings, numerous Other people are rising:
Kelly Graves (Oregon)
Vic Schaefer (Texas)
Jeff Walz (Louisville)
Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)
Just about every of those coaches has made major strides with their respective packages and could split into the top rated five in the approaching many years as Women of all ages's basketball carries on to grow.
Closing Thoughts
The days of underfunded women’s packages and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not only command significant salaries—they also mentor generations of athletes, form the society of their universities, and elevate Girls’s basketball to new heights. As the sport proceeds to grow in level of popularity and assistance, we could expect these salaries—along with the profiles of such leaders—to continue growing.
Women of all ages’s school basketball isn’t just preserving pace—it’s environment the speed for the way forward for aggressive sports.