Big news in women’s basketball! The University of South Carolina has solidified Dawn Staley’s position as the highest-paid coach in the sport, setting a new financial standard.
Jeremiah Donati, the Athletic Director, emphasized Staley’s immense value: “Dawn Staley is a once-in-a-generation coach who has made a tremendous impact on the University of South Carolina. 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 record speaks for itself. In the 2023-24 season, she led the Gamecocks to a perfect 38-0 record and their third NCAA championship. The team is currently on a school-record 43-game winning streak and has reached the Final Four six times under her guidance.
The details of Staley’s groundbreaking contract are impressive. She will receive a starting salary of $4 million per year, with annual increases of $250,000, plus a $500,000 signing bonus. This surpasses the previous high of $3.26 million per year held by LSU’s Kim Mulkey.
A significant clause in the contract addresses Staley’s future. If she departs for another college program before April 2030, she must pay a buyout equivalent to one year’s salary. However, a move to the professional ranks would not incur any buyout obligation.
Before her coaching career, Staley was a celebrated player. She was named National High School Player of the Year, led Virginia to an NCAA championship game, was a six-time WNBA All-Star, and won multiple Olympic gold medals with Team USA.
This historic contract ensures that Dawn Staley, a pivotal figure in women’s basketball, will continue to shape the future of the South Carolina program for years to come.
