Dawn Staley has solidified her place in history as a championship-winning coach and now as the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball. South Carolina’s decision to invest in her success reflects the program’s dominance and her influence on the sport.
With a groundbreaking contract, Staley continues to set new standards both on and off the court. But how much does the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball coach make?
Dawn Staley’s Salary and Contract in 2025
South Carolina’s board of trustees approved a new contract for head coach Dawn Staley in January, making her the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball. The deal took effect immediately and runs through the 2029-30 season.
Staley will earn a base salary of $4 million per year, an annual increase of $250,000, and a $500,000 signing bonus. The contract is valued at approximately $25.25 million in total.
Before this deal, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey held the top salary in women’s college basketball, earning $3,264,000 annually, while Staley ranked third with her previous $3.1 million contract. UConn’s Geno Auriemma also earns $3.1 million annually as of March 2024.
The increase in Staley’s salary places her in a league of her own, setting a precedent for future contracts in women’s sports. The contract also marks the first major move by South Carolina’s new athletic director, Jeremiah Donati, who replaced Ray Tanner last month.
Donati expressed his excitement about securing Staley for the long term.
“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,” the new AD said.
A key detail in Staley’s extension outlines what would happen if she leaves before the contract ends on April 15, 2030. If she takes another college coaching job before that date, she would owe the university an amount equal to her guaranteed annual compensation, prorated for the remaining term of the contract.
However, if she accepts a coaching position in the WNBA or NBA, she will not be required to pay the school a buyout fee.
Under Staley’s leadership, South Carolina has established itself as one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball. The Gamecocks finished the 2023-24 season with a perfect 38-0 record, securing their third national championship.
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South Carolina is now one of only five programs with at least three national titles and one of two teams to achieve multiple 40-game winning streaks.
The Gamecocks continue to dominate, breaking their program record with 43 consecutive wins this season. Since Staley’s arrival, the team has reached six of the last nine NCAA Final Fours, including the last four in a row. Her ability to consistently build championship-caliber teams has made South Carolina a powerhouse in the sport.
Staley’s journey to becoming one of the top coaches in college basketball began long before her time at South Carolina. She first made a name for herself as a player, earning national recognition for her skills on the court.
Staley’s Career and Net Worth
Staley’s career in basketball has been defined by success at every level. With a net worth of approximately $12 million, she has built her legacy through achievements as both a player and a coach.
Staley was a standout player at Murrell Dobbins Tech High School in Philadelphia, Penn., where she was named National High School Player of the Year. In college, she led the Virginia Cavaliers to four NCAA Tournament appearances, including three Final Fours and a national championship game, from 1988-1992.
Throughout her career, she was named ACC Female Athlete of the Year and National Player of the Year, among numerous other awards. Her impact was so significant that Virginia even retired her No. 24 jersey.
After college, she played professionally in France, Italy, Spain, and Brazil before joining the Richmond Rage in the American Basketball League in 1996. In 1999, the Charlotte Sting selected her ninth overall in the WNBA Draft, and she played there until 2005. She then finished her career with the Houston Comets in 2006.
Staley was a six-time WNBA All-Star from 2001 to 2006 and received the Woman One Award in 2005. She was also a finalist for the Wooden Cup Award.
Beyond her professional career, Staley achieved tremendous success on the international stage, representing the United States in multiple tournaments. She won gold medals at the 1991 World University Games, the 1992 Jones Cup, and the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympic Games. She also secured a gold medal at the 2000 FIBA World Championships.
Staley transitioned to coaching while continuing to build her legacy in the sport. She became an assistant coach for Team USA in 2006 and later led the national team to two additional gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2007 Pan American Games.
Her head coaching career began at Temple in her hometown of Philadelphia, where she coached from 2000 to 2008. In 2008, she took over at South Carolina, transforming the Gamecocks into one of the top programs in the country.
Under her leadership, the team earned its first No. 1 ranking in 2014 and has since won multiple SEC championships, made multiple Sweet Sixteen appearances, reached the Final Four, and won three NCAA championships.
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With a new contract securing her future at South Carolina, Staley’s focus remains on winning more championships and continuing to elevate the sport. Her influence extends beyond the court, setting new financial benchmarks for women’s coaches and inspiring the next generation of the sport’s players and leaders.
Staley’s journey from a dominant player to a record-breaking coach proves her impact on basketball is far from over. South Carolina’s investment in her success is a testament to the program’s future, ensuring that she continues to lead the Gamecocks for years to come.
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