Columbia: Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, has signed a historic contract extension, solidifying her place as the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball history. The new deal, signed on Friday, extends her tenure through the 2029-30 season.
Under the agreement, Staley, 54, will immediately earn an annual salary of $4 million, with an annual raise of $250,000, bringing the total value of the contract to $25.25 million. Additionally, she will receive a $500,000 bonus.
“Dawn Staley is a once-in-a-generation coach who has made a tremendous impact on the University of South Carolina,” said South Carolina athletic 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.”
Since taking over as head coach in 2008, Staley has led South Carolina to unprecedented heights, including three national championships (2017, 2022, 2024) and six Final Four appearances. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks achieved a perfect 38-0 season in 2023-24 and are currently ranked No. 2 in the Associated Press Top 25 with a 17-1 record and a 12-game winning streak.
In a statement, Staley expressed her gratitude for the university’s commitment to the program. “I’m proud to represent the University of South Carolina and of its investment in women’s basketball,” she 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 to providing that team with everything it needs to be successful.”
Also Read | Cold Weather Forces Historic Shift in Trump’s Inauguration Ceremony
She added, “I appreciate every person who has been part of our journey — player, staff member, University President and leadership, Board of Trustee member, athletics director, athletics department employee and fan. I look forward to continuing to be an example of how an investment in women’s basketball is one that will pay off for everyone.”
Staley’s record at South Carolina stands at an impressive 457-107, and her overall coaching record, including her tenure at Temple University in Philadelphia (2000-2008), is 629-187.
Also Read | Xi Emphasizes China-Vietnam’s Shared Future of Strategic Importance
Beyond her coaching career, Staley’s basketball achievements are remarkable. A former All-American at the University of Virginia, she was a five-time WNBA All-Star and won three Olympic gold medals as a player. She also coached Team USA to a gold medal at the Tokyo Summer Olympics. Staley was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 and is set to be inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2025.
This landmark deal underscores the growing recognition of women’s basketball and Staley’s pivotal role in elevating the sport at both collegiate and national levels.
