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Geno Auriemma is UConn’s most coveted asset.
Players come and go in college basketball, but coaches create dynasties, and it’s why Aueriemma is the highest-paid coach in women’s basketball after 40 years of service to the Huskies.
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In 1985, long before any of his current set of players were born, Auriemma became the head coach of UConn’s women’s basketball team.
Four decades and 11 national titles later, Auriemma is still standing firm on the sidelines as their coach, and is about to lead them into their 24th Final Four with him.
Auriemma’s legacy at UConn, which he is still forging, is one of sheer success, and it’s why he has a contract so big, it dwarfs the biggest stars in women’s basketball.
Last summer, the 70-year-old signed a contract extension that runs through 2029 and is valued at $18.7 million.
He receives a base salary of $400,000 per year and an additional compensation for speaking, consulting and media obligations of $2.94 million for this season.
His salary increases by $200,000 a year.
His deal is significantly higher than most players in the WNBA, with stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese not even breaching the annual $100,000 mark.
Clark has a $76,535 rookie salary with the Indiana Fever while Reese earns $73,439 with the Chicago Sky – something she has threatened to sit out over.
Both will be hoping their salaries dramatically increase once the WNBA agrees a deal with the Women’s National Basketball Players Association ahead of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
In sports, very few coaches earn more than the players they train, but Auriemma is an exception, and for good reason, too.
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In addition to his 11 NCAA championships and 24 Final Fours, he has six undefeated seasons and 59 conference championships.
Auriemma’s legacy was secured way back in 2006 when the NCAA honoured him into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
He is also the fourth women’s basketball coach to reach 1,000 victories in his career and did it in the shortest time, in his 1,135th.
Along with the titles and honours, Auriemma is renowned for his development of players.
27 Huskies have been selected as WBCA All-Americans with 48 total honors, while one of his players has been named National Player of the Year 14 times.
However, a coach like Auriemma will be laser focused on the present and winning a 12th national chip.
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And with a roster led by the presumptive WNBA No.1 pick Bueckers, he has an opportunity to end that nine-year drought.
“For her to get all the attention she gets, have all the demands on her life, all the expectations in her life, and still be able to deliver?” Auriemma said about Bueckers after their latest win.
“I thought she was a unique individual when I saw her in high school. … I think she’s closer to (number) one or two or three of most unique players I’ve ever coached.”
80 more minutes of basketball will define Bueckers’ legacy at UConn.
The walking bucket has never won a national title and this is her final collegiate season before going pro.
She’s on the right track, though, having already made NCAA Tournament history before declaring for 2025’s WNBA Draft.
Auriemma, who has already won so much, will hope to give another one of his players their first taste of success before waving them off to professional basketball.
