Ladies’s college basketball has witnessed exponential growth in viewership, talent, and competitiveness over the past 10 years. Using the amplified recognition and commercial achievement from the sport, specifically in NCAA Division I programs, coaching salaries have risen to replicate the worth and leadership these leading-tier coaches bring for their groups and universities. As universities keep on to invest in their women’s athletics departments, a handful of standout coaches are reaping the economical benefits that come with building powerhouse systems.

Below’s a consider the 5 optimum-paid women’s higher education basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing not merely their spectacular salaries but will also the achievements that justify their elite compensation.

one. Dawn Staley – University of South Carolina
Believed Yearly Wage: $3.one million

Dawn Staley carries on to be the gold typical in Girls’s school basketball coaching. A previous WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has constructed South Carolina right into a perennial powerhouse. Given that taking on the program in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to many NCAA Last 4 appearances and two countrywide championships (2017 and 2022).

In 2021, she manufactured headlines by signing a historic seven-calendar year, $22.4 million deal, creating her the very best-compensated Black head coach in Females's school basketball heritage. That offer has given that been restructured and prolonged with effectiveness incentives, putting her firmly at the highest of the list.

2. Geno Auriemma – University of Connecticut
Approximated Once-a-year Income: $two.9 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 One of the more dominant dynasties in school basketball historical past—Adult men's or women’s.

Auriemma’s longevity and regular efficiency have ensured valuable contract renewals. His present contract includes a base salary, media obligations, apparel offers, and hefty bonuses tied to NCAA Tournament runs. Whilst UConn has faced new worries with accidents and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and Management retain his benefit superior.

three. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana Condition University (LSU)
Estimated Annual Salary: $two.7 million

Just after An effective two-ten years operate at Baylor, the place she gained 3 national titles, Kim Mulkey stunned the basketball environment by signing up for LSU in 2021. In just her second time with the Tigers, she led them to the 2023 countrywide championship, bringing a whole new degree of excitement and Highlight to Baton Rouge.

Her substantial-profile arrival came with a lucrative eight-yr, $23.six million agreement, producing her certainly one of the best-paid out Ladies’s coaches at any time. Recognized for her passionate coaching style, flamboyant manner, and championship pedigree, Mulkey is central to LSU’s resurgence in Girls's hoops.

4. Brenda Frese – College of Maryland
Estimated Yearly Salary: $one.4 million

Brenda Frese has quietly created a model of regularity at Maryland due to the fact taking over in 2002. With various convention championships, a countrywide title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Match appearances, Frese has saved the Terrapins in nationwide contention for over 20 years.

Her lengthy-time period effect and enhancement of prime-tier expertise have created her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Office. Her current offer consists of bonuses for tutorial efficiency, wins, and postseason success—illustrating her twin determination to athletics and college student enhancement.

5. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford University
Believed Annual Wage: $one.three million

Tara VanDerveer is don't just among the very best-compensated coaches but also the winningest coach in NCAA Females's basketball record. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time win document and M88 has led Stanford to a few nationwide titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and diverse Closing 4 appearances.

While VanDerveer has never been a single to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are properly compensated. Her Management, progress of WNBA stars, and determination to excellence have solidified her put among the all-time greats in coaching history.

A Altering Landscape in Females's Basketball
The rising salaries of those coaches are reflective on the rising attractiveness and economical viability of girls’s college or university basketball. Courses are attracting more countrywide Television set specials, ticket profits are raising, and corporate sponsors have become much more invested in Ladies's sports.

The increase in coaching salaries is not merely an indication of progress—it’s a recognition from the effort, leadership, and achievements these coaches provide to their plans and also the Activity as a whole.

Honorable Mentions
Whilst these 5 coaches at the moment lead just how concerning earnings, many Other individuals are on the rise:

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 packages and will split into the top rated five in the approaching many years as Women of all ages's basketball carries on to mature.

Ultimate Views
The days of underfunded Gals’s plans 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 Ladies’s basketball to new heights. Given that the sport carries on to improve in reputation and guidance, we can assume these salaries—and the profiles of these leaders—to continue mounting.

Ladies’s higher education basketball isn’t just holding pace—it’s environment the speed for the way forward for aggressive sports.