Dawn Staley Becomes Highest-Paid Women’s Basketball Coach in History

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees approved a contract extension Friday for women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley, making her the highest-paid college women’s basketball coach in history. The deal, which runs through the 2029-30 season, includes an annual salary of $4 million, a $500,000 signing bonus, and an annual $250,000 escalator, totaling approximately $25.25 million.

“Dawn Staley is a once-in-a-generation coach who has made a tremendous impact on the University of South Carolina,” said Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati. “She has elevated the sport of women’s basketball on the national level and here on campus, and I am excited that she will be representing our University for many years to come.”

Staley, who took over the program in May 2008, has transformed South Carolina into a national powerhouse. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have won three NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championships, made six Final Four appearances in the last nine years, and currently hold the longest active streak in the AP Poll’s top 10 at 107 consecutive weeks. The team has also dominated the SEC, winning eight regular-season titles since 2013-14 and maintaining a 165-15 conference record during that span.

“I’m proud to represent the University of South Carolina and of its investment in women’s basketball,” Staley said. “What we’ve been able to accomplish on the court is a testament to what can happen when you bring together the right people from a team perspective but also have the right commitment from the University, the Athletics Department, and the community.”

Staley’s success extends beyond the court. She has developed 14 WNBA draft picks, including No. 1 overall selections A’ja Wilson (2018) and Aliyah Boston (2022). Her teams have also led the NCAA in average attendance for the past decade, with a record 13,152 season tickets sold this year. Off the court, Staley has been a key figure in USA Basketball, leading the U.S. Women’s National Team to a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and earning induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025.

This season, Staley’s Gamecocks are ranked No. 2 nationally with a 17-1 record and a 5-0 mark in SEC play. They will host No. 13 Oklahoma on Sunday, Jan. 19, at Colonial Life Arena.