Lisa Bluder’s contract extended at Iowa through 2028-29

IOWA CITY — Lisa Bluder’s most recent contract extension as Iowa women’s basketball coach will run through the 2028-29 season.

Bluder’s base salary is bumped to an even $1 million, plus an additional $400,000 per year in camps, shoes and apparel, plus incentive bonuses, The Gazette learned Friday via a public-records request.

She earned $310,000 in postseason bonuses last season after a run to the NCAA tournament championship game.

Bluder has been at Iowa since 2000, and owns a career record of 850-391, including 494-249 with the Hawkeyes.

She previously coached at St. Ambrose and Drake.

A native of Marion, the 62-year-old Bluder has enjoyed her highest level of success recently, both in terms of notable wins and program interest.

The Hawkeyes (31-7) won the Big Ten tournament and made its second Final Four appearance in school history. They upset South Carolina in the semifinals before bowing to LSU in the title game.

Iowa has made 21 postseason appearances (17 NCAA, four WNIT) in Bluder’s 23 seasons.

Bluder is a three-time Big Ten coach of the year (2001, 2008, 2010) and was recognized as the Naismith national coach of the year in 2019. Her position was endowed in 2021 by P. Sue Beckwith.

She has produced two consensus national players of the year in Caitlin Clark (2023) and Megan Gustafson (2019).

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com