March Madness has come to an end in the most dramatic way possible. The South Carolina Gamecocks, led by the ever-so-iconic Dawn Staley, went up against Geno Auriemma’s UConn in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship finals. But this time, it was Geno’s Huskies who had the last laugh.
UConn went on to win 82–59, and Auriemma won his 12th NCAA title. Meanwhile, on the Staley side, this was her third championship appearance, but the first where her team walked away without the crown. Now, in the spirit of all that March Madness, let’s take a breather from the buzzer-beaters and look at the folks behind the scenes making the big bucks.
Who are the Top 10 Highest-Paid Women’s Basketball Coaches?
1. Kim Mulkey – LSU
The first name on the list is, not so surprisingly, Kim Mulkey. Her total pay for 2024 stands at $3.26 million, with a hefty school salary of $3.15 million and $114,000 in additional perks. She also has a $750,000 max bonus potential. Evidently, LSU did not just want Mulkey; they invested heavily in her.
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey went off at a student reporter following their Elite 8 loss to UCLA:
“How many Final Fours did you play in?”
Stephen A. Smith’s response:
“[She’s] a great coach and an established coach… she’s just a very, very rude person.”pic.twitter.com/Jb3dXnRKRh
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 31, 2025
LSU even paid up $1.75 million to cover the buyout Mulkey owed Baylor when she jumped ship. With a record of 60-8 at LSU and a career mark of 692-112, it’s easy to see why the Tigers are backing the truck for her.
2. Geno Auriemma – UConn
The March Madness 2025 legend, Geno Auriemma, is the second on the list. And with his 12th national title now in the books, his $3.1 million salary in 2024 feels more like a bargain.
There’s also a $375,000 max bonus (with $150K already earned) and a cool $3.5 million buyout if UConn ever decides to part ways. From the looks of it, that is not going to be happening any time soon. Auriemma even has a career record of 1180-156.
3. Dawn Staley – South Carolina
Next up is the iconic woman herself, Dawn Staley. She’s become the face of the Gamecocks program and continues to build a dynasty. In 2024, she’s pulling in $3.1 million in base pay, with the potential to bank up to $680,000 more in bonuses. She has already made $430,000 of that.
Beyond the hardwood, her contract includes life insurance perks and special provisions. Staley also has a 402-106 record at South Carolina and a 574-186 overall career record.
4. Vic Schaefer – Texas
Vic Schaefer is coaching with a Texas-sized paycheque. Schaefer was paid $2.3 million for 2024. He is also eligible for up to $370,000 in bonuses (he’s already collected $145K). Schaefer has a 76-27 record so far at Texas. And with a school buyout figure pushing $4.83 million, it’s safe to say the Longhorns are planning to keep him around for the long haul.
5. Brenda Frese – Maryland
Brenda Frese, in 2024, collected a salary of $1.88 million. She also has a bonus potential of $427,500, of which she has already earned $ 205 K. With a massive buyout clause of $11 million, Maryland’s making sure no one’s poaching their coach anytime soon. Frese also has a 563-147 record at the school and a 620-177 career record.
6. Jeff Walz – Louisville
Jeff Walz is all about building and sustaining success at Louisville. He’s making $1.75 million in school pay in 2024 and also receives a $750,000 life insurance premium as part of his total compensation.
With a 440-125 record, Walz is one of the most reliable coaches in the business. Add in a potential $700K in bonuses, and it’s no surprise Louisville wants to keep him locked down with a $4 million buyout clause.
7. Joni Taylor – Texas A&M
Joni Taylor may be newer on the scene at Texas A&M, but she’s already making $1.5 million in 2024. Her bonus max is a tidy $500,000, although none of that has been paid out just yet. Taylor’s first season at Texas A&M was rough with a 9-20 record. But her career record stands at 149-95. With a buyout of over $6 million, the Aggies are betting big on her future.
8. Lisa Bluder – Iowa
Lisa Bluder is Iowa’s longtime leader, and after the Hawkeyes’ surge in popularity, it’s no surprise her 2024 pay hit $1.4 million. She’s also eligible for up to $570,000 in bonuses and has already earned $ 385 K. With 494 wins at Iowa and 850 career wins, her buyout is set at $7 million.
KEEP READING: Dawn Staley Mocks SEC Coaches’ Rant About Her South Carolina Team in Hilarious Clip
9. Teri Moren – Indiana
Teri Moren was paid $1.25 million this season. She’s eligible for $450K in bonuses and has taken home $140K of that so far. Her school record stands at 200-93, and her overall record is 399-223. With a $3 million buyout, the Hoosiers are making sure she’s locked in.
10. Adia Barnes – Arizona
Rounding out the top 10 is Adia Barnes at Arizona, pulling in $1.2 million for 2024. Her bonus limit stands at $305K, with $65K already in the bank. Though she’s the lowest earner on this list, she’s also one of the most promising.
With a 132-84 record, Barnes has been instrumental in lifting the Wildcats into national contention. Arizona clearly believes in her vision, backing her with a $2.63 million buyout.
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