Dawn Staley Eyes Bigger Impact Beyond Coaching: “I’d Rather Be an Owner”
Dawn Staley, one of the most influential figures in women’s basketball, continues to make her presence felt both on and off the court. At 55 years old, the legendary head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks is not only preparing for another deep NCAA tournament run in the 2025-26 season, but she’s also using her voice to shape the future of women’s sports.
This week, Staley joined Kylie Kelce—wife of former NFL standout Jason Kelce—on the “Not Gonna Lie” podcast, where she shared candid thoughts on her career, legacy, and her evolving role in basketball. One of the standout moments came when the conversation turned to a potential WNBA expansion franchise in Philadelphia—Staley’s hometown.
Her answer was decisive.
“No. You know why?” she responded. “Because I would rather be an owner. I think there’s much more to ownership.”
She went on to explain her reasoning.
“If I am an owner, I think I can touch more people.”
While many might have assumed that coaching a hometown WNBA team would be a dream job for Staley, she made it clear that her sights are set even higher. Ownership, in her view, would allow her to influence not just players, but entire communities and the broader business of women’s sports.
This vision of impact aligns with how Staley has operated throughout her career. From her coaching beginnings at Temple University in 2000 to building a dynasty at South Carolina since 2008, Staley has consistently positioned herself as a trailblazer. Her teams have made five consecutive Final Four appearances, and in 2024, she led South Carolina to a perfect season and national championship—a feat she reflects on in her new book.
Titled “Uncommon Favor,” the book offers a personal look into Staley’s journey, achievements, and the people and places that shaped her—particularly Philadelphia and North Philly, where she was born and raised.
“The things that have been happening to me in my career. The really good things. We won an NCAA national championship in undefeated fashion,” she said. “I felt like it was the right time to do it… to pay homage to Philly and North Philly.”
Since its release, Uncommon Favor has received widespread acclaim and recently ranked No. 15 on the New York Times Audio Bestseller List. Staley has been promoting the book through a spring book tour and fan events across the country.
Though her impact in college basketball is unparalleled, Staley continues to look ahead—to ownership, to advocacy, and to a larger platform in the evolving landscape of women’s basketball.
Whether she’s inspiring players on the court or fans in the stands, Dawn Staley’s voice remains one of the most powerful and purposeful in all of sports.
