South Carolina makes Dawn Staley highest-paid coach in women's college basketball

The University of South Carolina's board of trustees has approved a contract extension for women's basketball coach Dawn Staley, solidifying her position as the highest-paid coach in women's college basketball. Under the new agreement, Staley will remain with the Gamecocks through the 2029-30 season, earning an annual base salary of $4 million. This marks a significant increase from her previous salary of $3.1 million and elevates her total contract value to over $25 million.

Staley has transformed the once-struggling South Carolina program since her arrival in 2008, leading the team to multiple titles and establishing it as a powerhouse in women's college basketball. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks won their first conference title in 2014 and captured national championships in 2017, 2022, and 2024. The recent championship in 2024 was notable for being only the 10th time in women's basketball history that a team finished an undefeated season with a national title.

Currently, South Carolina is ranked No. 2 in the AP poll, and the team has largely retained its championship roster from the previous season. Staley expressed pride in representing the university and emphasized the importance of the commitment from the athletics department and community in achieving success on the court.

The contract extension is a significant move by South Carolina's new athletic director, Jeremiah Donati. His decision reflects the increasing value of women's basketball and the pivotal role Staley plays within the program. Just days prior to the extension, the NCAA announced that women's teams participating in the NCAA Tournament would finally receive recognition in the form of awarded units.

Despite her new salary, Staley's compensation still falls short compared to the top earners in men's college basketball. Her annual pay, while substantial, would rank behind at least 16 male coaches and is less than that of South Carolina's football coach Shane Beamer. Staley has previously navigated negotiations for equal pay, advocating for recognition of her value as a successful coach in a landscape often dominated by male counterparts.