Dawn Staley has made history yet again.

The University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball coach continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport. Known for her trailblazing accomplishments, Staley first made headlines in 2021 when she became the highest-paid Black coach in NCAA women’s basketball, as previously reported by AFROTECH™.

Her leadership has propelled the Gamecocks to remarkable success, including appearances in six NCAA Final Fours and securing the school’s first national title in 2017, Reuters reports. Since then, Staley has only strengthened her legacy.

In 2024, under her guidance, the team celebrated an undefeated 38-0 season, culminating in their third national championship, according to Sports Illustrated. Notably, all three titles have been achieved during her tenure.

A Historic New Contract

Staley’s transformative impact on the University of South Carolina’s basketball program has earned her another groundbreaking contract. Per a university press release, Staley will now receive a $4 million annual salary, which includes a $500,000 signing bonus and an annual $250,000 escalator. The deal, valued at nearly $25.25 million, makes her the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball, as reported by Fox Sports.

“A once-in-a-generation coach,” Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati said in the release. “She has elevated the sport of women’s basketball on the national level and here on campus. I am excited that she will be representing our University for many years to come.”

Staley’s Gratitude And Vision

Reflecting on the milestone, Staley expressed her gratitude and commitment to the program.

“I’m proud to represent the University of South Carolina and its investment in women’s basketball,” Staley said in a press release. “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.”

She continued, “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.”

Staley’s Commitment To The Sport

Staley’s commitment to the sport extends beyond collegiate basketball. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, she is an investor in Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women’s professional basketball league that boasts the highest salaries in women’s sports. Among the league’s players is Aliyah Boston, a former University of South Carolina star now playing in the WNBA. Boston is a member of the Vinyl basketball club, which also features Dearica Hamby, Jordin Canada, Arike Ogunbowale, Rhyne Howard, and Rae Burrell.

“For her to be an investor, I think it just shows how much she truly wants to continue to invest in women’s sports because she knows exactly where this can go, and she sees the talent,” Boston told AFROTECH™ during a press conference. “So, it’s always amazing just having her as a coach, as a mentor, definitely as an investor in something like this.”