WVU invests in Baker's ability to generate financial and fan support

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West Virginia's incoming athletic director Wren Baker will make $7.1 million in base salary and stands to earn a considerable amount more in bonuses and incentives, according to the pact he and President Gordon Gee both signed.

 

The term sheet, which is to be followed within 10 days by an official contract, was obtained through an open records request. It states that Baker arrives from the University of North Texas and begins his term on Dec. 17. WVU is covering the $250,000 cost to buy Baker out of his contract with the Mean Green. From Dec. 17-Dec. 31, 2024, his annual salary is $1.1. On Jan. 1 2025-28, he receives a $50,000 raise so that the 2028 salary in his final year tops out at $1.3 million. However, Baker is also eligible for "merit increases available to other University non-classified employees, at the sole discretion of the President."

Baker's other attainable bonuses with the Mountaineers stand to add to his wealth. In addition to the roughly $42,000 he'll make for standard employment in the final two weeks of this calendar year, he receives what is called his "First Retention Incentive" of $75,000 "following his first two weeks of employment." If Baker is the athletic director on March 1, 2026, he received a second retention incentive of $250,000.

Baker signed a contract extension at UNT 13 months ago. His salary started at $625,000, rose $25,000 every year and was to reach $800,000 in 2028. He also received a $100,000 retention bonus this year and was due a $125,000 bonus next year and a $150,000 bonus in 2025. 
 

read more: https://247sports.com/college/west-virginia/Article/WVU-sports-contract-athletic-director-Wren-Baker-199234036/Amp/