Let’s face it: The players on the court may be hitting game-winners and pulling off highlight-worthy moves, but the ones really making bank are the ones screaming from the sidelines. Women’s college basketball has turned into a high-stakes arena, not just for the players but for the coaches raking in salaries that could buy an entire team of Ferraris.
With the rapid rise in the sport’s popularity (thanks to stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers), college hoops has become prime-time entertainment. But it’s the coaches who are seeing their bank accounts grow like they’re winning the lottery. These tacticians are paid to turn their teams into well-oiled machines—or at least, into something that can survive March Madness.
Here’s a countdown of the top 10 highest-paid women’s college basketball coaches for the 2024-25 season, according to Front Office Sports. Warning: You may want to sit down before you see these numbers.
10. Adia Barnes, Arizona – $1.2 Million
Barnes has been at Arizona long enough to turn in an impressive résumé, but $1.2 million? That’s more than enough to buy herself a desert mansion to escape the Pac-12 collapse. With a runner-up finish in 2021, it’s clear Arizona believes Barnes can bring more than just sunscreen to the Big 12.
9. Teri Moren, Indiana – $1.3 Million
Moren’s Hoosiers have been marching through the Big Ten with precision, racking up over 220 wins in 10 seasons. Apparently, Indiana thinks those W’s are worth a cool $1.3 million. Her biggest claim to fame? An Elite Eight run in 2021 that still has the Hoosiers fans hanging banners like they won it all.
8. Kenny Brooks, Kentucky – $1.3 Million
Brooks is cashing those checks in Kentucky, but it wasn’t all bluegrass and bourbon at first. After 22 seasons, including a Final Four appearance with Virginia Tech, Brooks now gets paid like he’s running a Fortune 500 company. Let’s hope the Wildcats are as sharp as his paycheck this season.
7. Joni Taylor, Texas A&M – $1.5 Million
Texas A&M scooped up Taylor after she led Georgia to four NCAA tourney appearances. Now in her third year, she’s earning $1.5 million to make the Aggies relevant again. She’s got the cash; now, let’s see if she can get the Aggies past the first round. No pressure, Joni.
6. Jeff Walz, Louisville – $1.75 Million
With two runner-up finishes, Jeff Walz is basically the bridesmaid of women’s college hoops. But at $1.75 million, at least he’s a well-paid one. Louisville is expecting more Final Fours, Elite Eights, and hopefully, one day, a shiny trophy for the Cardinals’ empty cabinet.
5. Brenda Frese, Maryland – $1.88 Million
Brenda Frese’s Terrapins are more than just slow-moving turtles. With a national championship back in 2006, she’s been coasting in the fast lane ever since. For $1.88 million a year, she’s still trying to replicate that magic. Maybe one day Maryland can rise from “hey, remember when?” to “look at us now.”
4. Vic Schaefer, Texas – $2.3 Million
Schaefer has been everywhere, but Texas is where the money’s at. The man with a runner-up medal collection is now getting paid $2.3 million to bring the Longhorns back to the promised land. With his extensive Elite Eight experience, Schaefer’s hoping third time’s the charm for that elusive national title.
2 (tie). Dawn Staley, South Carolina – $3.1 Million
If you want a national championship, call Dawn Staley. The Gamecocks coach is basically the queen of women’s hoops, with three titles, including an undefeated season. And for $3.1 million, South Carolina is clearly all in on Dawn. At this point, Staley could probably coach the team from the comfort of a yacht and still dominate.
2 (tie). Geno Auriemma, UConn – $3.1 Million
Geno Auriemma: the legend, the myth, the guy who’s been winning titles since before most of his players were born. With 11 national championships, he’s basically the Phil Jackson of women’s college basketball. UConn’s five-year, $18.7-million contract extension will keep Geno around until 2029, by which time he’ll probably own his own Hall of Fame wing.
1. Kim Mulkey, LSU – $3.26 Million
And now, the queen of the cash: Kim Mulkey. After guiding LSU to the 2023 national title, Mulkey secured a jaw-dropping $36-million, 10-year deal. That’s $3.26 million just this season to keep doing what she does best—winning, showing up in flamboyant outfits, and reminding everyone why she’s the top dog (or should we say, Tiger).
Women’s college basketball has come a long way, and so have the paychecks. As the sport continues to explode in popularity, expect these numbers to keep climbing. After all, when you’re winning championships, it’s all about getting that bag—whether it’s the trophy or the paycheck.
