Females’s school basketball has viewed exponential advancement in viewership, expertise, and competitiveness in the last 10 years. Using the improved acceptance and commercial good results on the sport, especially in NCAA Division I plans, coaching salaries have risen to reflect the worth and Management these prime-tier coaches carry to their groups and universities. As universities go on to speculate inside their Females’s athletics departments, a couple of standout coaches are reaping the monetary benefits that come with developing powerhouse programs.
In this article’s a consider the five best-paid out Females’s school basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing don't just their outstanding salaries but in addition the achievements that justify their elite compensation.
one. Dawn Staley – University of South Carolina
Approximated Annual Wage: $3.1 million
Dawn Staley proceeds to get the gold regular in Women of all ages’s faculty basketball coaching. A former WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has designed South Carolina into a perennial powerhouse. Due to the fact taking over This system in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to multiple NCAA Closing Four appearances and two nationwide championships (2017 and 2022).
In 2021, she built headlines by signing a historic 7-12 months, $22.four million contract, building her the highest-paid out Black head mentor in Ladies's faculty basketball history. That deal has considering the fact that been restructured and extended with general performance incentives, placing her firmly at the very best of the record.
2. 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 The most dominant dynasties in college or university basketball background—Gentlemen's or Women of all ages’s.
Auriemma’s longevity and consistent efficiency have ensured beneficial deal renewals. His present-day deal features a foundation income, media obligations, clothing promotions, and significant bonuses tied to NCAA Event operates. Though UConn has confronted the latest challenges with accidents and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and Management continue to keep his benefit superior.
three. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana Condition University (LSU)
Believed Once-a-year Wage: $2.7 million
Following An effective two-10 years run at Baylor, the place she gained three national titles, Kim Mulkey stunned the basketball environment by becoming a member of LSU in 2021. In just her next time While using the Tigers, she led them to the 2023 countrywide championship, bringing a completely M88 new stage of excitement and spotlight to Baton Rouge.
Her superior-profile arrival arrived by using a worthwhile 8-calendar year, $23.six million contract, making her one of the best-paid out Ladies’s coaches at any time. Recognized for her passionate coaching fashion, flamboyant manner, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in Gals's hoops.
4. Brenda Frese – College of Maryland
Approximated Once-a-year Wage: $one.4 million
Brenda Frese has quietly built a product of consistency at Maryland considering the fact that taking up in 2002. With numerous meeting championships, a national title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Event appearances, Frese has stored the Terrapins in countrywide contention for more than two decades.
Her prolonged-term impression and advancement of top-tier talent have built her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Division. Her present-day deal features bonuses for academic general performance, wins, and postseason good results—illustrating her twin commitment to athletics and college student development.
5. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford University
Believed Once-a-year Salary: $1.3 million
Tara VanDerveer is don't just among the very best-compensated coaches but also the winningest coach in NCAA Gals's basketball record. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time get report and it has led Stanford to three nationwide titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and diverse Closing 4 appearances.
While VanDerveer has never been one particular to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are correctly compensated. Her Management, development of WNBA stars, and commitment to excellence have solidified her spot Among the many all-time greats in coaching heritage.
A Switching Landscape in Women's Basketball
The escalating salaries of these coaches are reflective in the increasing attractiveness and economical viability of girls’s college basketball. Applications are attracting much more national Television set deals, ticket sales are increasing, and company sponsors are getting to be additional invested in Gals's athletics.
The rise in coaching salaries is not just an indication of development—it’s a recognition in the hard work, Management, and achievements these coaches provide to their applications and also the Activity as a whole.
Honorable Mentions
Whilst these 5 coaches at this time direct the way in terms of earnings, quite a few Some others are increasing:
Kelly Graves (Oregon)
Vic Schaefer (Texas)
Jeff Walz (Louisville)
Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)
Every of such coaches has produced significant strides with their respective programs and will break into your prime five in the approaching many years as Women of all ages's basketball carries on to grow.
Closing Thoughts
The times of underfunded Ladies’s systems and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not merely command high salaries—Additionally they mentor generations of athletes, condition the tradition in their universities, and elevate women’s basketball to new heights. As being the Activity continues to improve in reputation and aid, we will hope these salaries—as well as the profiles of such leaders—to carry on increasing.
Gals’s school basketball isn’t just preserving rate—it’s setting the tempo for the way forward for aggressive sporting activities.