Dawn Staley, head coach of the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball team, has made history by signing the largest contract for a coach in women’s college basketball following
Dawn Staley, the head coach of the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball team, has made history by signing the largest contract for a coach in women’s college basketball. The new deal, valued at $25.25 million over five years, not only underscores her exceptional contributions to the sport but also marks a significant milestone in the advancement of women’s athletics.CBS News+5Sporting News+5Daily Gamecock+5
On January 17, 2025, the University of South Carolina announced that Dawn Staley had agreed to a contract extension through the 2029–30 season. This extension makes her the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball history. The contract includes a starting annual salary of $4 million, with a $250,000 increase each subsequent year, and a $500,000 signing bonus, culminating in a total value of $25.25 million .CBS News+9ESPN.com+9Connecticut Post+9CBS News+7Reuters+7ESPN.com+7CBS News+10CBSSports.com+10Sporting News+10
This deal surpasses the salaries of other prominent coaches in the sport. For instance, UConn’s Geno Auriemma earns $3.34 million annually, and LSU’s Kim Mulkey earns $3.26 million . Staley’s contract not only reflects her success on the court but also her role in elevating the profile of women’s basketball nationally.CBS News+10Connecticut Post+10CT Insider+10
Since taking over the South Carolina program in 2008, Staley has transformed the Gamecocks into a powerhouse. Under her leadership, the team has secured three NCAA national championships (2017, 2022, and 2024) and reached six Final Fours . The 2023–24 season was particularly remarkable, as the Gamecocks completed an undefeated 38–0 campaign, becoming one of only a few teams in history to achieve such a feat Sporting News.Wikipedia+2Reuters+2New York Post+2Sporting News
Staley’s overall record at South Carolina stands at an impressive 457–107, and her career coaching record, including her tenure at Temple University, is 629–187 . Her coaching accolades include multiple SEC Coach of the Year awards and national recognition as one of the sport’s premier leaders.Reuters
Staley’s influence extends beyond her coaching achievements. She has been a vocal advocate for gender equity in sports, emphasizing the importance of investing in women’s athletics. Her recent contract is seen not just as a personal milestone but as a significant step forward for the recognition and compensation of women in sports leadership roles .
In addition to her coaching duties, Staley has had a distinguished playing career. She was a three-time Olympic gold medalist as a player and later coached the U.S. women’s national team to a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Her contributions to basketball have been recognized with inductions into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the upcoming FIBA Hall of Fame in 2025 .
