Money, money, money! The University of South Carolina has secured Dawn Staley's status as the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball, setting a new benchmark for the sport.
“Dawn Staley is a once-in-a-generation coach who has made a tremendous impact on the University of South Carolina,” said 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.”
Staley’s dominance on the court is undeniable. In the 2023-24 season, she led South Carolina to an undefeated 38-0 record, securing the program’s third NCAA championship. The Gamecocks are currently riding a school-record 43-game winning streak and have made six Final Four appearances under her leadership.
Under the terms of the agreement, Staley will earn a starting salary of $4 million per year, with annual increases of $250,000, and will receive a $500,000 signing bonus. Her salary surpasses that of LSU’s Kim Mulkey, who previously held the top spot at $3.26 million per year.
One key clause in Staley’s new contract stipulates that if she leaves for another college before April 2030, she must pay a buyout equal to one year’s salary. However, if she jumps to the professional ranks, she will owe nothing.
Before becoming a legendary coach, Staley made her mark as a standout player. She was named National High School Player of the Year, led Virginia to an NCAA championship game, became a six-time WNBA All-Star, and won multiple Olympic gold medals for Team USA.
With this historic deal, South Carolina guarantees that a key figure in women’s basketball will keep guiding the program’s future for years ahead.