Cori Close, Champion Coach at UCLA, Earns Contract Extension
UCLA Women’s Basketball Coach Cori Close Receives Contract Extension Following National Championship Victory
UCLA Women’s Basketball Coach Cori Close will remain at the helm of the Bruins after signing a contract extension that runs through the 2029-30 season. The announcement, made on Tuesday, follows a momentous year in which Close led her team to their first NCAA national championship.
“I am so grateful to Chancellor [Julio] Frenk and [athletic director] Martin Jarmond for the opportunity to continue teaching and mentoring the young women who choose UCLA,” Close stated in a news release. “I love being here in Westwood, and I am so excited for what the future holds. I hope we can continue to make our Bruin faithful proud.”
Close has served as head coach since 2011, compiling a record of 35-8-144 during her tenure. Under her guidance, the Bruins have made ten NCAA tournament appearances and reached the Final Four two consecutive years, culminating in their recent victory over South Carolina in the national title game.
In addition to her coaching success, Close was honored as the Big Ten Coach of the Year this past season. She has played a pivotal role in the development of her players, with a record six athletes from the championship squad — including Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, Gianna Kneepkens, Angela Dugalic, and Charlisse Leger-Walker — being selected in the WNBA Draft and currently participating in the league.
UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond expressed his pride in Close’s accomplishments, stating, “Winning a national championship is a tremendous achievement, but what truly stands out with Cori is the character, leadership, and daily commitment she and her staff bring to help develop her players into the best versions of themselves. We are very fortunate to have Cori leading this program, and we couldn’t be more excited about the future of this team.”
According to The California Post, Close’s new contract is estimated to earn her around $2 million per season, placing her among the top ten highest-paid coaches in women’s basketball. Last season, she earned approximately $1.2 million before incentives, successfully triggering all 11 performance bonuses for an additional $180,000.
Close’s extension signals UCLA’s commitment to continuing its trajectory of success in women’s basketball as the program looks ahead to future competitions.
