On Friday morning, the University of South Carolina’s Board of Trustees approved a contract extension for Hall of Fame women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, first reported by Matt Dowell of WACH FOX.
The extension is set to run through the 2029-2030 season starting at $4 million annually, increasing by $250,000 every season as well as a $500,000 signing bonus. She will also receive other benefits for tournament results.
This extension makes Staley the highest-paid women’s basketball coach in history, which is more than deserved as the Gamecocks are fresh off an undefeated championship season in 2024, their third in program history.
“Dawn Staley is a once-in-a-generation coach who has made a tremendous impact on the University of South Carolina,” the university’s Athletic Director Jeremiah Donati said. “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.”
Prior to coaching, Staley was a two-time National Player of the Year at the University of Virginia, where she set the school’s scoring record. She then would win three gold medals as a player and go on to play in the WNBA following its inception in 1997.
She was a six-time all-star in her playing career, and would also start her coaching career at Temple University in 2000. She would lead the Owls to six NCAA tournament appearances and four conference championships before taking the position at South Carolina.
Since Staley took over the program in 2008, the Gamecocks have clinched six Final Four appearances, eight SEC championships, and national championships in 2017, 2022 and 2024.
In that span she has also had 14 players drafted into the WNBA including two National Players of the Year, A’ja Wilson in 2018 and Aliyah Boston in 2022.
“I’m proud to represent the University of South Carolina and of its investment in women’s basketball,” Coach Staley said. “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.”
The Gamecocks are currently the No. 2 team in the nation, sitting at 17-1 on the season and undefeated in SEC play. They’ll be back in action on Sunday afternoon as they host No. 13 Oklahoma live at 3 p.m. on ESPN.
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