Females’s faculty basketball has noticed exponential progress in viewership, talent, and competitiveness over the past decade. While using the increased 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 deliver for their groups and universities. As universities keep on to take a position in their women’s athletics departments, a few standout coaches are reaping the economical benefits that come with building powerhouse courses.

Below’s a consider the five best-paid out Ladies’s college 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 – College of South Carolina
Approximated Annual Wage: $3.one million

Dawn Staley continues being the gold normal in women’s college or university basketball coaching. A former WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, Staley has crafted South Carolina into a perennial powerhouse. Since taking up This system in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to several NCAA Remaining Four appearances and two countrywide championships (2017 and 2022).

In 2021, she designed headlines by signing a historic 7-12 months, $22.four million contract, building her the highest-paid out Black head mentor in women's faculty basketball history. That deal has considering the fact that been restructured and extended with general performance incentives, putting her firmly at the highest of the list.

2. Geno Auriemma – University of Connecticut
Approximated Once-a-year Income: $2.9 million

A residing legend, Geno Auriemma has guided the UConn Huskies to the jaw-dropping 11 nationwide titles. His tenure at UConn, which commenced in 1985, has reworked the program into The most dominant dynasties in college or university basketball background—Gentlemen's or Gals’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 difficulties with injuries and roster turnover, Auriemma’s legacy and Management keep his benefit high.

three. Kim Mulkey – Louisiana Point out College (LSU)
Approximated Yearly Salary: $2.seven million

Just after a successful two-decade run at Baylor, where she received a few nationwide titles, Kim Mulkey shocked the basketball planet by joining LSU in 2021. In only her next period Together with the Tigers, she led them into a 2023 national championship, bringing a new amount of pleasure and spotlight to Baton Rouge.

Her high-profile arrival arrived by using a worthwhile 8-calendar year, $23.6 million contract, earning her amongst the very best-paid Women of all ages’s coaches at any time. Known for her passionate coaching design and style, flamboyant trend, 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 due to the fact taking on in 2002. With multiple conference championships, a countrywide title in 2006, and dozens of NCAA Tournament appearances, Frese has retained the Terrapins in national rivalry for over 20 years.

Her lengthy-expression influence and enhancement of best-tier expertise have created her indispensable to Maryland’s M88 athletic Office. Her present offer includes bonuses for educational performance, wins, and postseason results—illustrating her twin dedication to athletics and scholar improvement.

5. Tara VanDerveer – Stanford College
Believed Annual Salary: $1.three million

Tara VanDerveer is don't just certainly one of the highest-paid out coaches but also the winningest coach in NCAA Gals's basketball record. She surpassed Pat Summitt’s all-time acquire history and it has led Stanford to three national titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and numerous Ultimate 4 appearances.

Even though VanDerveer hasn't been one to chase flashy contracts, Stanford has ensured that her legacy and contributions are appropriately compensated. Her leadership, advancement of WNBA stars, and motivation to excellence have solidified her position Amongst the all-time greats in coaching history.

A Altering Landscape in Females's Basketball
The rising salaries of those coaches are reflective with the rising attractiveness and financial viability of women’s college basketball. Applications are attracting much more national TV deals, ticket sales are increasing, and company sponsors have gotten far more invested in Girls's sports activities.

The rise in coaching salaries is not just an indication of progress—it’s a recognition from the hard work, Management, and results these coaches carry to their programs as well as Activity as a whole.

Honorable Mentions
While these 5 coaches at the moment lead just how with regard to 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 made sizeable 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 mature.

Ultimate Thoughts
The days of underfunded Women of all ages’s packages and underpaid coaches are steadily fading. These elite coaches not only command substantial salaries—they also mentor generations of athletes, form the society of their universities, and elevate Girls’s basketball to new heights. As the sport carries on to grow in level of popularity and assistance, we could expect these salaries—along with the profiles of such leaders—to carry on growing.

Girls’s university basketball isn’t just holding pace—it’s environment the speed for the way forward for aggressive sports.