Dawn Staley Signs Historic Contract Extension with South Carolina Women's Basketball

South Carolina has solidified its commitment to women’s basketball with an announcement that head coach Dawn Staley has signed a landmark contract extension through the 2029-30 season. This new agreement makes Staley the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball, with a total contract value of approximately $25.25 million.

The contract, approved by the university's Board of Trustees, includes a starting annual salary of $4 million, a $500,000 signing bonus, and an annual $250,000 pay escalation. Before this extension, Staley earned $3.2 million per season. By comparison, other top women’s basketball coaches such as UConn’s Geno Auriemma and LSU’s Kim Mulkey earned $3.34 million and $3.25 million, respectively.

Athletic Director Jeremiah Donati praised Staley’s impact on the university and the sport as a whole, calling her "a once-in-a-generation coach." Staley has led the Gamecocks to unparalleled success since taking over the program in 2008. Under her leadership, South Carolina has claimed three national championships, including an undefeated 38-0 season in 2024. The Gamecocks have also dominated the Southeastern Conference (SEC), achieving a remarkable 165-15 record in SEC regular-season play since 2013-14 and securing eight regular-season and eight tournament titles.

In addition to her collegiate success, Staley coached the U.S. women’s basketball team to a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, further cementing her legacy in the sport.

Currently, the Gamecocks hold a 17-1 record for the 2024-25 season, with their only loss coming against UCLA in November. They remain a powerhouse in the SEC and are poised for another deep postseason run.

Staley expressed gratitude for the university’s investment in the program and its continued commitment to excellence. She highlighted the collaborative effort between players, staff, university leadership, and the community as key to the team’s success.

The new contract underscores South Carolina’s dedication to maintaining its status as a leader in women’s basketball, ensuring that Staley’s legacy continues to shape the program for years to come.