South Carolina makes Dawn Staley highest-paid coach in women's basketball history with contract extension

South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has received a historic contract extension through the 2029-30 season, the University announced on Friday. Staley’s new deal begins immediately.

Staley will be paid $4 million annually, with an annual escalator of $250,000. She is also receiving a $500,00 signing bonus. The total value of the contract is approximately $25.25 million. Staley is now the highest-paid women’s basketball coach in NCAA history.

“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 in a statement. “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.”

Staley has been the head coach at South Carolina since 2008 and has led the Gamecocks to three national championships, including last season when South Carolina beat Iowa in the national title game to finish off an undefeated season.

Staley’s Gamecocks are currently ranked No. 2 in the AP Poll and appear to be contenders to win the national title again. Staley also led South Carolina to the national title in 2017 and 2022. She has advanced to the Final Four six times and has won the past three Naismith Coach of the Year awards.

“I’m proud to represent the University of South Carolina and of its investment in women’s basketball,” Dawn 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 appreciate every person who has been part of our journey – player, staff member, University President and leadership, Board of Trustee member, athletics director, athletics department employee and fan. 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.”

South Carolina has reached the Final Four each of the past four seasons, winning the national title two of the past three years. The Gamecocks have also won eight SEC regular season titles and eight SEC tournament championships under Staley.