How Many Female Coaches Are in the NBA? A Complete Look at History and Today

Since the first woman joined an NBA coaching staff in 2001, the league has seen gradual growth in female participation. Historically, around 16 women have held NBA coaching positions, primarily as assistants. In the current NBA landscape, only a handful of women are active coaches, and none have yet been appointed as permanent head coaches. This article explores the history, current figures, challenges, and future outlook of female coaching representation in the NBA.

The First Breakthroughs in NBA Coaching

The NBA’s journey toward gender diversity in coaching began in the early 2000s, when a woman was hired for the first time as an assistant coach. This initial appointment marked a symbolic turning point, proving that coaching roles at the highest level of men’s professional basketball were not exclusively reserved for men.

Although this early breakthrough did not immediately lead to widespread change, it laid the foundation for future opportunities. Teams gradually became more open to evaluating coaching talent based on knowledge, leadership, and experience rather than traditional gender expectations.

Becky Hammon and the Modern Era

A major shift occurred in 2014, when Becky Hammon was hired as a full-time assistant coach. Her appointment represented more than a hiring decision—it became a landmark moment across all major North American men’s sports leagues.

Hammon’s success, including serving as acting head coach during NBA games and leading a Summer League championship team, significantly altered perceptions. Her visibility demonstrated that women could not only participate in NBA coaching but also excel under the same pressure and expectations as their male counterparts.

How Many Women Have Coached in the NBA?

Historically, approximately 16 women have served on NBA coaching staffs. Most of these roles have been assistant coaching positions, player development roles, or specialized basketball operations jobs closely tied to on-court strategy.

While this number reflects progress compared to earlier decades, it remains small when measured against the hundreds of coaching positions filled throughout NBA history. The limited turnover in coaching staffs further slows the pace of new opportunities for women entering the league.

Current Figures in the NBA Today

As of the 2025–26 season, roughly five women are actively serving as assistant coaches in the NBA. These coaches are spread across different teams and often focus on player development, game preparation, and tactical analysis.

When compared to the total number of assistant coaches across the league, women represent less than two percent of all NBA coaching staff members. This highlights how progress, while real, remains incremental rather than transformative.

Why There Are Still No Female Head Coaches

One of the most notable gaps in NBA coaching history is the absence of a permanent female head coach. This is not due to a lack of qualified candidates, but rather the narrow hiring pipelines traditionally used by teams.

Head coaching roles often favor former NBA players or long-standing assistant coaches within existing networks. Because women were historically excluded from these pathways, they continue to face systemic barriers when advancing beyond assistant roles.

The Future of Female Coaches in the NBA

Despite ongoing challenges, the future shows cautious optimism. Increased visibility, expanded coaching development programs, and shifting organizational attitudes suggest that more women could enter NBA coaching staffs in the coming years.

As teams place greater emphasis on analytical skills, communication, and leadership rather than playing background alone, opportunities for women are expected to grow. While progress may remain gradual, each new hire strengthens the foundation for lasting change.