Females’s university basketball has viewed exponential growth in viewership, expertise, and competitiveness in the last ten years. Together with the greater popularity and commercial success from the sport, specifically in NCAA Division I programs, 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 inside their Females’s athletics departments, several standout coaches are reaping the economic rewards that include constructing powerhouse plans.

Right here’s a think about the 5 greatest-compensated Gals’s university basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing not simply their amazing salaries but in addition the achievements that justify their elite payment.

one. Dawn Staley – University of South Carolina
Approximated Annual Income: $3.one million

Dawn Staley continues to generally be the gold typical in Females’s college basketball coaching. A previous WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has built South Carolina right into a perennial powerhouse. Because taking on the program in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to many NCAA Last 4 appearances and two national championships (2017 and 2022).

In 2021, she manufactured headlines by signing a historic seven-yr, $22.four million contract, generating her the best-paid Black head mentor in women's higher education basketball history. That deal has due to the fact been restructured and extended with effectiveness incentives, placing her firmly at the very best of the record.

two. Geno Auriemma – University of Connecticut
Approximated Yearly Income: $two.nine million

A living legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies into a jaw-dropping eleven countrywide titles. His tenure at UConn, which commenced in 1985, has transformed the program into Among the most dominant dynasties in college basketball background—Gentlemen's or Women of all ages’s.

Auriemma’s longevity and constant functionality have ensured valuable deal renewals. His existing deal features a foundation income, media obligations, clothing 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 hold his price significant.

three. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana Condition University (LSU)
Estimated Annual Salary: $two.seven million

Immediately after A prosperous two-10 years run at Baylor, in which she won three countrywide titles, Kim Mulkey stunned the basketball entire world by becoming a member of LSU in 2021. In just her next time Along with the Tigers, she led them to your 2023 nationwide championship, bringing a fresh degree of pleasure and Highlight to Baton Rouge.

Her large-profile arrival came with a valuable eight-yr, $23.six million agreement, producing her certainly one of the best-paid out Females’s coaches at any time. Recognized for her passionate coaching design, flamboyant fashion, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in Women of all ages's hoops.

4. Brenda Frese – College of Maryland
Approximated Annual Wage: $1.four million

Brenda Frese has quietly constructed a product of consistency at Maryland since taking up in 2002. With numerous meeting championships, a national title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Event appearances, Frese has kept the Terrapins in nationwide contention for more than twenty years.

Her prolonged-term impression and advancement of major-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 college student enhancement.

5. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford University
Approximated Once-a-year Income: $1.3 million

Tara VanDerveer is not simply one of the very best-paid out coaches but will also the winningest coach in NCAA Females's basketball heritage. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time gain document and has led Stanford to a few nationwide titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and various Final Four appearances.

Although VanDerveer has not been a person to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are appropriately compensated. Her leadership, improvement of WNBA stars, and dedication to excellence have solidified her position Amongst the all-time greats in coaching record.

A Changing Landscape in Females's Basketball
The rising salaries of those coaches are reflective on the rising popularity and financial viability of women’s school basketball. Applications are attracting a lot more national TV deals, ticket revenue are growing, and corporate sponsors are getting to be extra invested in Women of all ages's sporting activities.

The increase in coaching salaries is not only a sign of development—it’s a recognition with the exertions, leadership, and success these coaches bring for their packages along with the sport in general.

Honorable Mentions
Even though these five coaches currently guide how with regards to earnings, many Some others are increasing:

Kelly Graves (Oregon)

Vic Schaefer (Texas)

Jeff Walz (Louisville)

Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)

Every of such M88 coaches has manufactured considerable strides with their respective programs and will break in the best 5 in the coming decades as Girls's basketball continues to improve.

Last Views
The days of underfunded Gals’s applications and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches don't just command large salaries—In addition they mentor generations of athletes, shape the lifestyle in their universities, and elevate Females’s basketball to new heights. Given that the sport carries on to grow in acceptance and support, we will expect these salaries—along with the profiles of such leaders—to continue growing.

Women of all ages’s school basketball isn’t just holding pace—it’s environment the speed for the way forward for aggressive sports.