South Carolina women’s basketball enters a lighter stretch of its schedule with two mid-major opponents on deck — both falling under the category of “buy games.”
Dawn Staley’s No. 2 Gamecocks will take on in-state opponent Winthrop oWednesday night before hosting Queens (NC) on Sunday afternoon.
Here’s a breakdown of what these matchups mean, what each school receives, and how buy games work in college athletics.
What Exactly Is a Buy Game?
A buy game refers to a matchup in which a high-major program pays a mid-major program to come to its arena for a one-off road game.
The payout varies by sport and level:
- South Carolina football will pay Coastal Carolina $1.4 million to play this weekend.
- South Carolina men’s basketball paid Presbyterian $95,000 for their matchup at Colonial Life Arena, per a contract obtained by The State.
- In 2024, South Carolina athletics paid $2.62 million in competition guarantees, according to the Knight-Newhouse College Athletics Database.
- For women’s basketball specifically, Grand Canyon received $20,000 to open the season against the Gamecocks.
These games benefit both sides:
- The high-major gains a manageable matchup.
- The mid-major receives crucial financial support for its athletic department and occasionally gets the chance to pull off a program-changing upset.
South Carolina vs. Winthrop — Contract Details and Series Notes
Wednesday marks the first meeting in 10 years between South Carolina and Winthrop, with their last matchup occurring in 2015.
Key notes:
- South Carolina leads the all-time series 8–5.
- The Gamecocks haven’t lost to Winthrop since 1978.
- Winthrop enters the game at 2–2, facing its second high-major opponent of the season.
- The Eagles posted their first winning record since 2014-15 last year and last reached the NCAA Tournament in 2014.
Payout Information
According to the game contract obtained by The State:
- Winthrop will receive $25,000 to play in Columbia.
- Payment is due before March 31, 2026.
- South Carolina will provide 75 complimentary tickets for the matchup.
South Carolina vs. Queens — Contract Terms and Program Background
Sunday’s game against Queens (NC) will be just the second time the two teams have ever played.
Their only previous meeting came in 1979, back when Queens was known as Queens College and women’s sports fell under the AIAW umbrella.
South Carolina won that matchup 103–55.
Queens Program Notes
- Queens officially completed its transition to Division I in July.
- The Royals compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
- They finished with 10 wins last season.
- Queens begins the week with a 2–2 record.
Payout Information
Per public records obtained by The State:
- Queens will receive $25,000 for Sunday’s game.
- Payment is required before April 1, 2026.
- South Carolina will provide 100 complimentary tickets.
