Who is the highest-paid WNBA coach, and what do they make annually?

The highest-paid WNBA coach is Nate Tibbetts, head coach of the Phoenix Mercury, earning $1.2 million annually. His record-setting deal, signed in 2023, surpassed Becky Hammon’s salary and marked a turning point in WNBA coaching compensation.

A WNBA logo on the court before a game between the Connecticut Sun and the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Ethan Miller (modified by author)
Source: Getty ImagesTABLE OF CONTENTSKey takeawaysNate Tibbetts is the highest-paid WNBA coach, earning a record-setting $1.2 million per year as head coach of the Phoenix Mercury.Tibbetts’ 2023 contract surpassed Becky Hammon’s $1 million salary, redefining the top end of WNBA coaching compensation.Other elite earners, including Becky Hammon and Sandy Brondello, now command seven-figure salaries, signalling rapid financial growth across the league.The rising pay scale reflects the WNBA‘s expanding commercial power, with coaching salaries beginning to approach those of the NBA ecosystem.Who is the highest-paid WNBA coach?

Nate Tibbetts of the Phoenix Mercury is the highest-paid WNBA coach, reportedly earning approximately $1.2 million annually. Becky Hammon of the Las Vegas Aces follows closely with an estimated $1 million salary, while Sandy Brondello of Toronto Tempo also ranks among the top earners.

To learn more about WNBA coaching salaries, here are the league’s top-paid coaches according to the various online sources, including Pop Sugar and Front Office Sports:

Coach

Reported annual salary

Nate Tibbetts (Phoenix Mercury)

$1.2 million

Becky Hammon (Las Vegas Aces)

$1 million

Sandy Brondello (Toronto Tempo)

$1 million

Lynne Roberts (Los Angeles Sparks)

$709,500

Cheryl Reeve (Minnesota Lynx)

$700,000

Stephanie White (Indiana Fever)

$500,000

1. Nate Tibbetts – $1.2 million (annually)Head Coach Nate Tibbetts of Phoenix Mercury stands on the sideline before a game between Phoenix Mercury and Atlanta Dream at Gateway Centre Arena in College Park, Georgia. Photo: Andrew J. Clark
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Nathaniel TibbettsDate of birth: May 15, 1977Age: 48 (as of 2025)Teams coached: Phoenix Mercury (2024–present), Orlando Magic (assistant; 2021–2023), Portland Trail Blazers (assistant, 2013–2021), Cleveland Cavaliers (assistant; 2011–2013), Tulsa 66ers (2009–2011), Sioux Falls Skyforce (2007–2009), Sioux Falls Skyforce (assistant; 2005–2007), Sioux Falls (assistant; 2001–2005)Net worth: $8 million–$10 million

Nate Tibbetts, head coach of the Phoenix Mercury, became the highest-paid coach in WNBA history when he signed a record-setting deal in late 2023. Tibbetts previously spent over a decade as an NBA assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic.

His reported $1.2 million salary reflects the Mercury’s commitment to elite leadership and marks a turning point in WNBA coaching compensation.

2. Becky Hammon – $1 million (annually)Inductee Becky Hammon attends the 2023 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Induction at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts. Photo: Mike Lawrie
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Rebecca Lynn HammonDate of birth: March 11, 1977Age: 48 (as of 2025)Nationality: American/RussianTeams coached: Las Vegas Aces (2022–present), San Antonio Spurs (assistant; 2014–2021)Net worth: $500,000

Becky Hammon, head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, became the first WNBA coach to earn more than $1 million annually during her hiring in 2022. Hammon quickly justified the investment, leading the Aces to back-to-back championships in her first two seasons. Her salary set a new benchmark for coaching pay in women’s basketball, and she remains one of the WNBA League‘s most influential figures.

3. Sandy Brondello – $1 million (annually)Head coach Sandy Brondello of the New York Liberty reacts during the first half against the Washington Mystics at Barclays Centre in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Photo: Ishika Samant
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Sandra BrondelloDate of birth: August 20, 1968Age: 57 (as of 2025)Nationality: AustralianTeams coached: Toronto Tempo (Head coach, since 2025), New York Liberty (Head coach, 2022–2025)Net worth: $3 million

Sandy Brondello joined the Toronto Tempo as their inaugural head coach in 2025, making her one of three WNBA coaches earning seven figures. A two-time championship-winning coach, Brondello previously led the Phoenix Mercury to a title in 2014 and guided the New York Liberty to their first championship in 2024.

4. Lynne Roberts – $709,500 (annually)Los Angeles Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts looks on against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Daniel Bartel
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Lynne RobertsDate of birth: August 28, 1975Age: 50 (as of 2025)Nationality: AmericanTeams coached: Los Angeles Sparks (2025–present), Utah (2015–2024), Pacific (2006–2015), Chico State (2002–2006), Seattle Pacific (assistant; 1997–2002)

Lynne Roberts, formerly head coach at the University of Utah, transitioned to the WNBA in 2025 as head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks. In Utah, she earned a base salary of $709,500 with potential bonuses exceeding $300,000. Her Sparks deal is reportedly in the same range, placing her among the league’s higher-paid coaches.

5. Cheryl Reeve – $700,000 (annually)Cheryl Reeve, head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, walks across the court before Game One of the second round of the WNBA Playoffs against the Phoenix Mercury at Target Centre. Photo: Stephen Maturen
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Cheryl ReeveDate of birth: September 20, 1966Age: 59 (as of 2025)Nationality: AmericanTeams coached: USA women’s national basketball team (Head coach, since 2021), Minnesota Lynx (2010–present), Detroit Shock (assistant; 2006–2009), Charlotte Sting (assistant; 2001–2002, 2004–2005), Cleveland Rockers (assistant; 2003), Indiana State (1995–2000), George Washington (assistant; 1990–1995), La Salle (assistant; 1988–1990)Net worth: $4.5 million–$10 million

Cheryl Reeve, head coach of the Minnesota Lynx since 2011, earns about $700,000 annually. A four-time WNBA champion and four-time Coach of the Year, Reeve also led Team USA to gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

6. Stephanie White – $500,000 (annually)Full name: Stephanie Joanne White (formerly Stephanie White-McCarty)Date of birth: June 20, 1977Age: 48 (as of 2025)Nationality: AmericanTeams coached: Indiana Fever (2025–present, 2015–2016; assistant 2011–2014), Connecticut Sun (2023–2024), Vanderbilt (2016–2021), Chicago Sky (assistant; 2007–2010), Toledo (assistant; 2005–2007), Kansas State (assistant; 2004–2005), Ball State (assistant; 2003–2004)Net worth: $3 million–$5 million

Stephanie White returned to the Indiana Fever in 2025 as head coach, reportedly earning around $500,000 annually. White previously coached the Fever to a Finals appearance in 2014 and later led the Connecticut Sun to consecutive semifinal runs, earning WNBA Coach of the Year in 2023. Stephanie White‘s current contract reflects Indiana’s investment in experienced leadership to guide rising star Caitlin Clark.

Who is the highest-paid coach in women’s basketball?

Dawn Staley is the highest-paid female coach in women’s basketball. In professional women’s basketball (WNBA), the highest-paid coach is Nate Tibbetts of the Phoenix Mercury, who reportedly earns approximately $1.2 million annually.

What is Dawn Staley’s salary?

According to The Guardian, Staley earns approximately $4 million annually. Her deal is the richest contract in women’s college basketball history, surpassing all other female coaches. Dawn Staley‘s contract reflects South Carolina’s dominance under her leadership, including three NCAA championships (2017, 2022, 2024) and a perfect 38–0 season in 2024.

How much does Cheryl Reeve make per year?

Cheryl Reeve, the head coach and president of basketball operations for the Minnesota Lynx, has a reported annual salary of approximately $700,000. Her exact contract terms are private, but this figure places her among the highest-paid WNBA coaches.

How much do WNBA assistant coaches get paid?

WNBA assistant coaches earn an average of about $63,500 per year, with salaries typically ranging from $52,000 to $86,000 depending on experience, team budget, and location. The estimated average annual pay for a WNBA assistant coach is approximately $63,495.

Wrapping up

The highest-paid WNBA coach is Nate Tibbetts of the Phoenix Mercury, earning $1.2 million annually. His record-setting deal, signed in 2023, surpassed Becky Hammon’s $1 million salary with the Las Vegas Aces and marked a turning point in WNBA coaching compensation. The move reflects the league’s growing financial strength and commitment to attracting top coaching talent.

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