On Friday, the University of South Carolina’s governing board finalized a contract extension for women’s basketball coach Dawn staley, solidifying her position as the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball history.
Staley’s new deal ensures she will remain with the Gamecocks through the 2029-30 season,earning an annual base salary of $4 million. Previously ranked third in the nation behind LSU’s Kim Mulkey and uconn’s Geno Auriemma, staley’s previous base salary was $3.1 million. Including signing bonuses and incremental raises, the total value of her contract exceeds $25 million.
since joining South Carolina in 2008, Staley has transformed a struggling program into a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks secured their first SEC championship in 2014 and their inaugural national title in 2017. The team added two more championships in 2022 and 2024, with the latter season marking the 10th time in women’s basketball history that a team completed an undefeated season with a national title.
Currently ranked No. 2 in the AP poll, South carolina’s only loss this season came against UCLA. The team retained nearly all players from last year’s championship roster and bolstered its lineup with a standout freshman class.
“I am honored to represent the University of South Carolina and its commitment to women’s basketball,” Staley remarked.“Our success on the court reflects the collective effort of a dedicated team, supportive university leadership, and a community that provides the resources needed to excel.”
This contract extension represents a meaningful milestone for new athletic director Jeremiah Donati, who succeeded Ray Tanner at the end of 2024. Donati’s decision underscores the growing recognition of Staley’s influence and the increasing prominence of women’s college basketball. The declaration follows the NCAA’s recent unanimous vote to allocate units to women’s teams participating in the NCAA Tournament.
“Dawn Staley is a trailblazer who has profoundly impacted our university and the sport of women’s basketball,” Donati stated. “Her leadership has elevated the program to national prominence,and we are thrilled to have her continue representing South Carolina for years to come.”
Despite her historic raise, staley’s salary still trails those of top men’s college basketball coaches. according to USA Today’s coaching salary database, her $4 million annual salary would rank below 16 men’s basketball coaches from the previous season, including Kansas’ Bill Self, who earned over $9.6 million annually. Additionally, Staley’s compensation is less than that of South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer, who made $6.4 million in 2024.
This is not the first time Staley has negotiated for equitable pay. Following the 2020-21 season, she opted to handle contract talks independently, hiring legal portrayal to advocate for parity with then-men’s basketball coach Frank Martin. Her efforts resulted in a deal that ensured pay equity during Martin’s tenure, which ended with his dismissal in 2021.
“The phrase ‘timely market value’ always arises in these discussions,” Staley said in 2022. “But what is the market value for someone like me? I’m a black woman, a successful coach, and I’ve built a program rooted in the community. Who is my comparison? I won’t settle for less than what I deserve.”
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
South Carolina Gamecocks, Sports Business, women’s College Basketball
2025 The Athletic Media Company
Interested in reading more news? Return to home page https://cbainfo.com.ar/.
A second national championship in 2022, further cementing Staley’s legacy as one of the most prosperous coaches in the sport. Her ability to recruit top-tier talent, develop players, and maintain a winning culture has made South Carolina a perennial contender on the national stage.
Staley’s impact extends beyond the court. She has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports,using her platform to push for greater recognition and investment in women’s athletics. Her leadership has inspired countless young athletes and coaches, and her success has helped elevate the profile of women’s college basketball as a whole.
The decision to make Staley the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball reflects not only her achievements but also the growing recognition of the value and importance of women’s sports. As the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, Staley’s contract sets a new benchmark for compensation in women’s basketball, signaling a shift toward greater equity and respect for female coaches and athletes.
In addition to her coaching accolades, Staley has also been a trailblazer for diversity and inclusion in sports. As one of the few Black women to hold a head coaching position at a major Division I programme, she has broken barriers and paved the way for future generations of coaches from underrepresented backgrounds.
As Staley embarks on the next chapter of her career with the Gamecocks, the expectations will be high. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if she can continue to build on her already impressive legacy and lead south Carolina to even greater heights. One thing is certain: Dawn Staley’s influence on the game of basketball—and on the broader world of sports—will be felt for years to come.
