Since taking over as head coach in 2015, Greg Gard has upheld the program’s reputation as a powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference. Known for his steady leadership, Gard has helped the Badgers maintain a competitive edge in the toughest leagues. But as his profile has grown, so too have his earnings. So, just how much is Gard making, and what does his financial future look like?
Greg Gard’s Salary & Contract in 2025
In 2022, the University of Wisconsin extended Gard’s contract, keeping him in charge through the 2026–27 season. This decision underscored the school’s commitment to stability and continuity in its basketball program. Gard’s leadership has embodied Wisconsin philosophy since he first stepped in as Bo Ryan’s successor.
The contract extension, approved by the UW Board of Regents, was a vote of confidence in Gard’s ability to maintain the team’s competitive status. While he hasn’t delivered a national title, he has kept Wisconsin relevant in the Big Ten. Not only that but also consistently guided them to NCAA Tournament appearances.
Gard’s contract isn’t just about job security—it comes with a handsome paycheck. For the 2022-23 season, he earned a total compensation of $3.55 million. This has increased by $100,000 annually, putting his 2025 salary at approximately $3.75 million. This gradual pay bump aligns with how top-tier college basketball coaches are compensated.
Additionally, the contract includes a buyout clause, which was initially set at $12 million in the first three seasons following the extension.
This amount gradually decreases to $5 million in the final year. This has also ensured that if Wisconsin were to part ways with Gard, they’d have to pay a hefty price. This buyout is a strategic move by the university to deter any potential suitors from luring Gard away.
When compared to other top coaches in the NCAA, Gard ranks among the top 25 highest-paid college basketball coaches.
While he may not have the same celebrity status as Arkansas’ John Calipari or Duke’s Jon Scheyer, his pay grade signifies his importance to Wisconsin basketball.
A significant portion of Gard’s salary comes from performance-based incentives. While exact details of these bonuses are not fully public, it’s standard practice for coaches to receive financial rewards for achievements like NCAA Tournament appearances, conference championships, and deep March Madness runs.
Given Wisconsin’s consistent presence in the NCAA Tournament, it’s safe to say Gard has earned substantial bonuses throughout his tenure.
Greg Gard’s Net Worth
Determining Gard’s exact net worth isn’t straightforward, but with his current contract and past earnings, estimates place it between $10 million and $15 million. His earnings are derived mainly from his coaching salary, incentives, and possible external engagements, such as speaking appearances and basketball-related endorsements.
Since taking over in 2015, Gard has seen a steady increase in his earnings. His salary has more than doubled since he started as an interim head coach, making $1.75 million. As Wisconsin’s trust in him has grown, so has his compensation. If he remains with the Badgers through the entirety of his current deal, he stands to earn over $15 million just from base salary alone.
Unlike some high-profile coaches who take on endorsement deals with major brands like Nike or Adidas, Gard has largely kept a lower profile in this area.
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Wisconsin’s basketball program is tied to Under Armour, but it’s unclear if Gard personally benefits from this partnership. However, head coaches often receive apparel and sponsorship perks, even if they aren’t explicitly publicized.
While his $3.75 million annual salary is impressive, it still lags behind the highest-paid coaches in the sport. Coaches like Bill Self (Kansas), Calipari, and Tom Izzo (Michigan State) earn north of $5 million per year. However, unlike schools that are quick to replace coaches after a couple of bad seasons, Wisconsin has historically been patient with their basketball leaders.
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