ARIZONA STATE SUN FANS REJOICE AS: Head Coach of Arizona Women’s Basketball Made History By Signing The Largest Contract For a Coach in Women’s College Basketball Following…
Arizona State Sun Devils fans are rejoicing as Head Coach Natasha Adair has signed a groundbreaking contract extension, making her the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball history. This landmark agreement underscores the university’s commitment to excellence and recognizes Adair’s transformative impact on the program since her arrival in 2022.
Under Adair’s leadership, the Sun Devils have experienced a remarkable resurgence. In the 2024–25 season, the team achieved a 30–2 record, clinched the Pac-12 Championship, and advanced to the NCAA Final Four for the first time in program history. Her strategic acumen and ability to develop talent have been instrumental in the team’s success, with several players earning All-American honors and attracting attention from WNBA scouts.
Adair’s excellence has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year, highlighting her commitment to sportsmanship and ethical leadership. Her dedication to fostering a positive culture extends beyond the court, as evidenced by her involvement with Black Coaches United, an organization she co-founded to promote diversity and inclusion in sports.
The new contract includes incremental salary increases, starting at $2.5 million and rising to $3 million by the final year, positioning Adair among the highest-paid coaches in women’s college basketball. Performance-based incentives further emphasize the program’s focus on sustained excellence.
Adair’s impact extends beyond the court. She has been instrumental in boosting fan engagement, with average attendance at the Desert Financial Arena increasing significantly in the 2024–25 season. Notably, a game against No. 2 Stanford drew over 10,500 fans, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for the program.
