Dawn Staley's Landmark $25.25M Contract Extension

Dawn Staley has become the highest-paid coach in women's college basketball history with a record-setting contract extension to remain at South Carolina through the 2029-2030 season. The deal, valued at $25.25 million, includes an annual salary starting at $4 million, a $500,000 signing bonus, and a $250,000 annual increase. Under Staley's leadership since 2008, the Gamecocks have won three national championships and reached six Final Fours. Staley has been recognized as a four-time Naismith Coach of the Year and has significantly elevated South Carolina's women's basketball program. Her contract surpasses that of LSU's Kim Mulkey and UConn's Geno Auriemma, previously the highest earners in the sport. This extension reflects South Carolina's commitment to investing in women's sports and maintaining their status as a powerhouse in college basketball.