Dawn Staley Contract Extension: South Carolina HC emphasizes "standard" after historic move 

Dawn Staley made history on Friday, becoming the highest-paid coach in women's basketball after receiving a contract extension from South Carolina that will last until the 2029-30 season. Staley opened up about the record-breaking deal in a pregame news conference during the Gamecocks' practice ahead of their weekend clash with the Oklahoma Sooners.

Staley's new contract will start with an annual salary of $4 million. The deal, which was approved by the University of South Carolina's board of trustees, includes a $500,000 signing bonus to the longtime Gamecocks coach. An annual escalator worth $250,000 will help push the total value of the contract to approximately $25.25 million.

As per Sportico, the contract would require Staley to pay the school a compensation fee if she were to leave before the end of her deal. However, that will not apply if she leaves for a head coach or assistant gig with an NBA or WNBA team.

At the start of her media briefing on Friday, a reporter asked Staley what it meant to her to get this kind of contract from South Carolina, where she could continue to break ceilings for the women's game.

“I think what it represents is we play to a certain standard. I do think when you’re able to get a raise like this, it’s to your standard,” Staley said.

(from 0:17 mark onwards)

Staley added that she earned her new contract with the results she has produced on the court.

"I don’t think anybody expects us to play lower than our standard and we haven’t," Staley said. "Then you know you should be rewarded. It’s a hard word for me because it’s earned.

"When you’ve done what you’re supposed to do and well above what you’re supposed to do, you should be paid accordingly. The university and the board signed off and approved of the upgrades," she added.

Staley led South Carolina to three NCAA titles during her tenure as coach, winning the championship with the Gamecocks in 2017, 2022 and 2024. They defeated Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes in the final last year to complete a historic 38-0 season.

Dawn Staley's South Carolina on track with title defense after strong start

One thing that Dawn Staley hasn't done during her illustrious career as coach is successfully defend an NCAA title. She has an excellent opportunity to achieve that feat this season with the South Carolina Gamecocks off to a strong start in the 2024-25 campaign.

Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks visits with fans after their game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Colonial Life Arena on Jan. 9, 2025, in Columbia. Photo: Getty

The Gamecocks have won 17 of their first 18 games, including each of their last 12 matchups to solidify their hold of the No. 2 spot in the Associated Press rankings. Furthermore, three players are averaging in double figures for South Carolina, including teen phenom MiLaysia Fulwiley.

What do you think of Dawn Staley's new deal with South Carolina? Will the Gamecocks defend their title this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.