Geno Auriemma, the legendary face of women’s college basketball, has built not only a dynasty at the University of Connecticut but also a personal fortune. As of 2025, Geno Auriemma’s net worth is estimated at $18 million, reflecting his decades of dominance on the court, lucrative coaching contracts, endorsements, and off-court ventures.
Early Life and Move to America
Born Luigi “Geno” Auriemma on March 23, 1954, in Montella, Italy, he’s currently 71 years old. At the age of seven, his family immigrated to the United States, settling in Norristown, Pennsylvania. The transition wasn’t easy, but it shaped his values and instilled a work ethic that would fuel his future success.
Auriemma attended Bishop Kenrick High School, then moved on to Montgomery County Junior College, and later graduated from West Chester University in 1977. It was during his college years that he met his future wife, Kathy, whom he married in 1978. Together, they have three children: Alysa, Jenna, and Michael.
The Coaching Journey Begins
Before becoming a household name, Auriemma started humbly. His coaching career kicked off at Bishop McDevitt High School in Pennsylvania (1977–1979), where he led the girls’ basketball program. He also spent time as an assistant at Saint Joseph’s University, Bishop Kenrick, and the University of Virginia, helping guide women’s teams and developing a coaching style rooted in fundamentals and discipline.
Transforming UConn into a Powerhouse
In 1985, Geno took over a struggling UConn Huskies women’s basketball team, which had only one winning season in its history. What followed was one of the most successful coaching reigns in sports history.
The Huskies saw their first major success in 1988–89, when they secured a 20-win season, a conference title, and their first NCAA tournament appearance. But this was just the beginning.
Under Auriemma’s leadership, UConn has won 11 NCAA Division I national championships, with undefeated seasons in 1995, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2014, and 2016. His teams have also achieved multiple winning streaks, including a record-breaking 111-game run from 2014 to 2017. In early 2024, he became the fastest coach in any level of basketball to reach 1,200 wins—a milestone that speaks volumes about his consistency, longevity, and success.
Between 2013 and 2024, UConn also dominated the conference scene, winning every league title over that stretch. It’s no exaggeration to say that Geno turned the Huskies into a global brand.
Salary and Contract Details
In May 2021, Auriemma signed a five-year contract extension worth $15 million. His base salary is $600,000 per year, but that’s only a part of his total compensation. He earns an additional $2 to $2.5 million annually from speaking engagements, consulting work, endorsements, and media appearances. These income streams, along with decades of consistent bonuses tied to performance, have propelled his total net worth.
His success hasn’t gone unnoticed financially. For a college coach in a non-revenue sport to command this kind of package is rare and underscores his unmatched value to the UConn athletic program.
Leading Team USA to Global Glory
Auriemma also left his mark on the international stage. He first coached Team USA at the 2001 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, leading the team to a bronze medal after a historic 97–27 win over Mali.
From 2009 to 2016, he served as the head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team, leading them to gold medals at both the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics, as well as at the 2010 and 2014 FIBA World Championships. Across all international tournaments, Auriemma’s U.S. squads never lost a single game, solidifying his reputation as one of the game’s greatest minds.
Off-Court Ventures and Media Presence
Away from coaching, Auriemma wears many hats. He works as a basketball analyst for ESPN and ESPN2, focusing on WNBA coverage, lending his expertise and unique insight into the sport.
He also has a business side. Geno owns a pair of restaurants in Manchester, Connecticut, and runs his own line of Italian wines and sauces—a nod to his heritage and passion for food. In addition, he’s active in philanthropy, serving on the boards of both the WBCA Cancer Fund and the Connecticut Children’s Foundation.
These ventures have not only expanded his net worth but also his influence beyond the basketball court.
Family, Legacy, and What’s Next
Geno Auriemma and his wife Kathy have been married for over four decades, a rarity in the high-pressure world of athletics. Their family remains rooted in Connecticut, where Auriemma has built more than just a coaching empire—he’s cultivated a home.
With more than 1,200 wins, 11 national championships, and countless accolades, Geno’s place in basketball history is secure. Yet, he continues to coach with intensity and vision, showing no signs of slowing down in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Geno Auriemma’s $18 million net worth in 2025 is a reflection of hard-earned success, record-setting performance, and smart off-court decisions. From his humble beginnings as an Italian immigrant to becoming a symbol of excellence in college basketball, his journey is nothing short of inspirational. Whether on the court, behind the mic, or in the kitchen, Auriemma continues to lead by example, proving that true greatness goes far beyond the game.
