Staley’s $25M Deal Richest in Women’s Hoops

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

One of the most revered and influential coaches and players over the last 25 years just got what she earned. South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley is officially No. 1, the highest paid coach in the history of women’s college basketball. Her five-year extension, stamped on Friday by the university’s board of trustees, will run through 2029-30 campaign and is worth approximately $25.25 million.

Her annual salary starts at $4 million and there will also be a nice $250,000 bump every season, as well as a $500,000 signing bonus.

“I’m proud to represent the University of South Carolina and of its investment in women’s basketball,” Staley said in a statement. “What we’ve been able to accomplish on the court is a testament to what can happen when you bring together the right people from a team perspective but also have the right commitment from the University, the Athletics Department and the community to providing that team with everything it needs to be successful.

“…I look forward to continuing to be an example of how an investment in women’s basketball is one that will pay off for everyone.”

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South Carolina captured the 2024 NCAA Tournament title over Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes, while joining a rare group, becoming just the fifth women’s basketball program ever to complete an undefeated season. That was their second national title in three years, and third in the last eight.

“Dawn Staley is a once-in-a-generation coach who has made a tremendous impact on the University of South Carolina,” athletics director Jeremiah Donati said. “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 Gamecocks are currently ranked No. 2 in the nation and have been the model of consistency, only losing four games since the 2021-22 season. They are the hottest team in the SEC with a record 52-game winning streak. South Carolina has also taken care of business on their home court, putting fear in their opponent’s heart, winning an unbelievable 67 consecutive games in Columbia.

Before Staley’s lucrative new deal, LSU’s Kim Mulkey was the highest paid coach with an annual salary of $3,264,000, which she earned by leading her alma matta, the Tigers to their first national championship in just her second season at the helm of the program. UConn’s Geno Auriemma, the winningest coach in basketball history, is the third highest earning coach while making $3,100,000 annually, as of 2024.

According to the Charleston Post and Courier, if Staley ended the contract before its completion, she would owe the school the full amount of the remaining balance with one exception: If she took a head coaching or assistant position in the WNBA or NBA.

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