Women’s higher education basketball has seen exponential development in viewership, talent, and competitiveness over the past decade. Along with the amplified popularity and commercial success of the Activity, specifically in NCAA Division I systems, coaching salaries have risen to mirror the value and leadership these major-tier coaches convey for their teams and universities. As universities continue to speculate inside their Girls’s athletics departments, a number of standout coaches are reaping the economic rewards that include creating powerhouse applications.

Here’s a think about the five highest-compensated Females’s school basketball coaches as of 2025, showcasing not only their outstanding salaries but in addition the achievements that justify their elite compensation.

one. Dawn Staley – College of South Carolina
Approximated Annual Wage: $3.1 million

Dawn Staley proceeds to get the gold regular in Women of all ages’s higher education 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 4 appearances and two national championships (2017 and 2022).

In 2021, she designed headlines by signing a historic 7-yr, $22.four million contract, generating her the best-paid Black head coach in Women of all ages's university basketball record. That deal has considering that been restructured and prolonged with functionality incentives, positioning her firmly at the top of this listing.

two. Geno Auriemma – College of Connecticut
Believed Annual Wage: $2.nine million

A dwelling legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies to a jaw-dropping 11 countrywide titles. His tenure at UConn, which began in 1985, has remodeled This system into one of the most dominant dynasties in university basketball heritage—men's or Ladies’s.

Auriemma’s longevity and regular general performance have ensured lucrative contract renewals. His present contract includes a base salary, media obligations, apparel deals, and hefty bonuses tied to NCAA Tournament 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)
Estimated Annual Income: $two.7 million

Soon after An effective two-decade operate at Baylor, where by she received 3 nationwide titles, Kim Mulkey shocked the basketball world by signing up for LSU in 2021. In only her second season with the Tigers, she led them to the 2023 countrywide championship, bringing a different degree of excitement and Highlight to Baton Rouge.

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

four. Brenda Frese – University of Maryland
Believed Yearly Income: $1.four million

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

Her long-expression influence and progress of leading-tier expertise have made her indispensable to Maryland’s athletic Section. Her current deal incorporates bonuses for academic effectiveness, wins, and postseason achievement—illustrating her dual motivation to athletics and student growth.

five. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford College
Estimated 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 heritage. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time gain record and has led Stanford to three national titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and diverse Ultimate 4 appearances.

When VanDerveer hasn't been one to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions M88 are appropriately compensated. Her leadership, improvement of WNBA stars, and dedication to excellence have solidified her area Among the many all-time greats in coaching heritage.

A Switching Landscape in Women's Basketball
The growing salaries of these coaches are reflective from the developing reputation and fiscal viability of ladies’s higher education basketball. Packages are attracting far more nationwide TV offers, ticket revenue are increasing, and company sponsors are getting to be additional invested in Girls's sports activities.

The rise in coaching salaries is not merely an indication of progress—it’s a recognition of the effort, leadership, and achievement these coaches bring for their packages as well as the Activity in general.

Honorable Mentions
Whilst these 5 coaches at this time lead the way concerning earnings, many Other individuals are rising:

Kelly Graves (Oregon)

Vic Schaefer (Texas)

Jeff Walz (Louisville)

Courtney Banghart (North Carolina)

Just about every of these coaches has built major strides with their respective applications and will break in the leading 5 in the coming yrs as Ladies's basketball proceeds to develop.

Closing Thoughts
The times of underfunded women’s packages and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not only command substantial salaries—In addition they mentor generations of athletes, shape the lifestyle in their universities, and elevate Females’s basketball to new heights. As being the sport continues to improve in recognition and guidance, we can assume these salaries—as well as profiles of these leaders—to continue mounting.

Women’s university basketball isn’t just preserving rate—it’s setting the tempo for the future of competitive athletics.