UCLA women’s basketball coach Cori Close secures contract extension through 2030
The agreement follows the programme’s first-ever NCAA national title, placing Close among the highest-paid coaches in the sport as she enters her 15th season at the university.
UCLA women’s basketball head coach Cori Close has signed a four-year contract extension, securing her position with the university through the 2029-2030 season. The agreement follows the Bruins’ victory in their first-ever NCAA national title under Close’s leadership, a milestone that has prompted the institution to significantly increase her compensation.
According to reporting by the California Post’s Ben Bolch, the new deal nearly doubles Close’s previous compensation package. The extension averages approximately $2 million annually in total compensation, a figure that places her among the top 10 highest-paid coaches in women’s college basketball.
Close, who has served as the head coach since 2011, has established the programme as a premier force in the sport. Her tenure includes setting single-season win records in consecutive years and holding the programme’s all-time win record. The extension ensures she will have at least four additional seasons to build upon these achievements.
In a statement released by the university, Close expressed gratitude to Chancellor Daniel Frenk and Martin Jarmond for the opportunity to continue her work. She acknowledged the support of coaches, student-athletes, support staff, alumni, fans, and donors, emphasising the institution’s commitment to its values and mission.
The university now faces the challenge of retaining its competitive edge with the departure of key players, including Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, and Gabriela Jaquez. However, Close has demonstrated a capacity to recruit talent through the transfer portal, a strategy that has contributed to the programme’s recent success.
The contract extension underscores the institution’s confidence in Close’s ability to sustain the team’s high performance. Having avoided any prior indications of interest in leaving the Bruins, the agreement signals a long-term commitment to the programme’s direction under her guidance.
