The highest-paid women’s basketball coach in South Carolina, and one of the… more details 👇👇👇✅✅

Columbia, SC — In a groundbreaking move for collegiate sports, Dawn Staley, head coach of the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program, has been awarded a historic contract extension, making her the highest-paid women’s basketball coach in the country. The extension, announced in January 2025, is a clear recognition of her remarkable accomplishments on the court and her profound influence on the game, both for the **South Carolina Gamecocks** and women’s basketball as a whole.

Under Staley’s leadership, South Carolina has transformed into a powerhouse in women’s basketball. The program has achieved immense success, winning three NCAA national championships (2017, 2022, 2024) and securing six Final Four appearances Her ability to recruit top talent, develop players, and lead the team to victory has earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Coach of the Year honors

Her new contract extension, valued at $25.25 million runs through the 2029–30 season The deal includes an annual salary of $4 million , a \$500,000 signing bonus and a $250,000 annual escalator which will further elevate her financial standing and solidify her position as one of the most influential figures in college athletics.

This contract extension places Staley in a league of her own, surpassing the previous record held by Geno Auriemma of UConn and Kim Mulkey of LSU both of whom were earning around \$3.2 million annually prior to Staley’s deal. This new salary marks a new chapter in the evolution of women’s college basketball, signaling that top-tier women’s programs are now being valued on par with the biggest names in men’s sports.

The extension is also indicative of the University of South Carolina’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the excellence of their women’s basketball program and ensuring that Staley has the resources necessary to continue to build a legacy of championship-caliber teams.

Dawn Staley’s impact on the game goes beyond the basketball court. As an advocate for gender equity in sports, she has played an instrumental role in increasing visibility for women’s basketball and ensuring that female athletes receive the recognition they deserve. Her leadership off the court has also made her a mentor and role model for countless players and aspiring coaches.

Staley’s approach to coaching focuses not only on athletic excellence but also on developing well-rounded individuals. Under her tutelage, her players thrive academically and personally, with many going on to achieve success both in professional basketball and in their post-collegiate careers.

Her philanthropic efforts are also worth noting. Staley is deeply committed to giving back to the community and ensuring that young women have access to the resources, opportunities, and mentorship they need to succeed. This endowment has empowered her to further advocate for better conditions for women in sports, offering a platform for her players to lead and speak out.

As the highest-paid women’s basketball coach in NCAA history, Staley now enters a new phase of her career. This landmark deal ensures that South Carolina women’s basketball will remain a fixture at the top of the national rankings for years to come. With the funds and resources available through her new contract, the program is positioned to continue its dominance, attracting top talent, developing champions, and inspiring the next generation of players and coaches.

Dawn Staley’s legacy is not just about her success as a coach; it’s about the long-lasting impact she will continue to have on the game of basketball, the South Carolina Gamecocks, and the world of women’s sports.

This article captures the significance of the new deal and what it means for the future of South Carolina women’s basketball and Staley’s career. Would you like further details on her previous achievements or insight

s into the program’s next steps?