• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

WNBA Raids College Coaching Ranks As Atlanta Dream Hire Karl Smesko

Smesko is regarded as one of the top coaches in women’s college basketball. He’ll now jump to the professional ranks.

Syndication: Naples Daily News

One of the brightest minds in college basketball is coming to the pros.

The Atlanta Dream have hired Karl Smesko as their next head coach, the team announced Wednesday. Smesko, who spent 23 years leading Florida Gulf Coast women’s basketball program, had the third-highest winning percentage among active college head coaches, only behind UConn’s Geno Auriemma and LSU’s Kim Mulkey.

FGCU deployed an efficient, high-octane offense under Smesko, and was often among the top D-1 schools in three-point attempts. The Eagles made all ten of their NCAA Tournament appearances under Smesko, and have not lost three or more conference games since the 2010–2011 season.

The financial details for Smesko’s contract with the Dream are unclear. His FGCU salary was $450,000 last season

According to The Athletic, the low end of WNBA coaching salaries last season was $350,000, which is already more than double what it was five years ago. With WNBA teams expected to receive a revenue increase when the league’s $2.2 billion media-rights deal hits in 2026, the head coaching market could drastically rise as soon as this offseason.

The WNBA’s highest-paid coach last season was the Phoenix Mercury’s Nate Tibbetts, who was paid $1.2 million a year. The only other coach who received a nine-figure salary was the Las Vegas Aces’ Becky Hammon, who earned $1 million a year.

Smesko is the fourth head coach to be hired during this offseason cycle. The Golden State Valkyries, the expansion franchise debuting next season, signed former Aces assistant Natalie Nakase in October. 

The Indiana Fever replaced Christie Sides with Stephanie White earlier this month, just days after White parted ways with the Connecticut Sun. The Chicago Sky, who let go of Teresa Weatherspoon after one season, hired Tyler Marsh, also a former Aces assistant.

In late October, seven of the 12 teams—not including the Valkyries—had coaching vacancies. There are four head coaching positions still open: the Sun, Washington Mystics, Dallas Wings, and Los Angeles Sparks. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Aug 30, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) drops back to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half at Ohio Stadium.

On This Year’s CFB Rosters, Even Backup QBs Make Six Figures

The going rate for backup quarterbacks is in the mid-six-figures.
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.

Bill Belichick’s Star-Studded UNC Coaching Debut Turns Ugly

Michael Jordan highlighted a long list of celebrities in attendance.

Osaka Ousts Gauff As American Presence at US Open Dwindles

Gauff’s exit shifts spotlight to Pegula, Anisimova, and Fritz at US Open.

Featured Today

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.
Dawn Staley

Dawn Staley Says She Would Have Left South Carolina for Knicks

Staley says she would have made the NBA leap “for women.”
Andy Reid
August 21, 2025

Andy Reid Office Shooting Went Unreported for a Year

Reid was inside at the time but wasn’t injured.
Inter Miami bench
August 21, 2025

Inter Miami Post-Red Card Phone Coaching May Have Been Legal

Javier Mascherano appeared to continue coaching through a call from the stands.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
August 1, 2025

Belichick Bump Creating Record UNC Ticket Prices

The cost of seeing the NFL legend’s college coaching debut is soaring.
July 28, 2025

Deion Sanders Had Bladder Removed Due to Cancer, Is Ready for Season

Sanders had his bladder removed in May.
July 28, 2025

Bulls Extend Billy Donovan After Rejecting Knicks Advances

The Bulls finished 39–43 for the second straight season.
Mike Brown
July 2, 2025

Knicks Land on Mike Brown After Monthlong Coach Search: Reports

New York still owes Tom Thibodeau $30 million.