Shaka Smart is acknowledged for his dynamic coaching style and strategic ability, which have had a huge impact on college basketball. Since taking over at Marquette University in 2021, Smart has rejuvenated the Golden Eagles, leading them to major victories, including a Big East regular-season title.
Smart played basketball at Kenyon College before becoming a coach.
Shaka Smart’s Salary and Contract in 2025
Smart, who succeeded Steve Wojciechowski as the head coach at Marquette, signed a six-year contract in March 2021. The original contract ventured through the 2026-27 season, but it was extended to the 2029-30 season, thanks to his outstanding performance and dedication to establishing a winning program.
Marquette University is a private institution that does not publicly reveal all the details of the contract.
According to Marquette’s 2023 tax filings, Smart’s base compensation is $2,791,853, with additional incentives totaling $154,000, bringing his annual salary to over $2.95 million. This ranks him among the top-paid coaches in the Big East Conference.
EXTENDED: VP & Director of Athletics @BillScholl announces extension of @CoachShakaSmart contract through 2029-30. Program claimed 2023 @BIGEASTMBB regular season and tourney titles & won school-record 29 games.#MUBB | #WeAreMarquette
RELEASE: ⤵https://t.co/JX4FDAgD29 pic.twitter.com/CLaATEYEhU
— Marquette Basketball (@MarquetteMBB) June 6, 2023
Marquette’s Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Bill Scholl, acknowledged Smart’s leadership and dedication to the program:
“In a very short period, Shaka and his staff have done a tremendous job of establishing a winning culture, both on and off the court. His impact on our players, the Marquette community, and the university as a whole has been exceptional.”
Shaka Smart’s Net Worth
Smart’s net worth is expected to be approximately $15 million in 2025. This fortune comes primarily from his coaching career, which includes substantial earnings from stints at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), the University of Texas, and Marquette.
Smart’s reimbursement at VCU surged from $350,000 to $1.2 million per year. At the University of Texas, he signed a seven-year contract worth $21.7 million, averaging $3.1 million per year. His present salary at Marquette reflects his standing as a top-tier collegiate coach.
Also Read: Kelvin Sampson Salary, Contract, and Net Worth
While specific figures about Smart’s endorsements and business endeavors are not widely known, his relentless career trajectory and agreements have strengthened his financial standing in the competitive college basketball coaching landscape.
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