Dawn Staley’s Net Worth: What is the South Carolina Gamecocks Coach’s Wealth?

Live from Columbia, S.C. — Dawn Staley, the legendary head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, isn’t just a powerhouse on the court—she’s also building an impressive fortune off of it. From her humble beginnings in Philadelphia to becoming a three-time NCAA champion, Staley has turned her passion for basketball into a multimillion-dollar empire.

As the driving force behind South Carolina’s sustained success, Staley’s biggest payday comes from her role as head coach, a position she’s held since 2008. Her most recent contract, signed in January 2025, is a massive five-year, $25.25 million deal, starting with a $4 million base salary and a $500,000 signing bonus. “I’m proud to represent the University of South Carolina and its investment in women’s basketball,” Staley said after signing the deal. This contract makes her the highest-paid women’s college basketball coach in history. Over the next five years, her salary will increase by $250,000 annually, reaching $5.2 million by the 2029-30 season. This is a far cry from her starting salary of $650,000 just 17 years ago.

Looking at her wealth, as of 2025, Dawn Staley has an estimated net worth of $12 million. Her impressive salary is complemented by lucrative bonuses, such as a $150,000 incentive for a Final Four appearance. Her undefeated 38-0 season in 2024 earned her an additional $680,000—proof that her results justify the pay. Before this massive contract, Staley was already banking substantial sums, earning $3.1 million for the 2024-25 season under her previous seven-year, $22.4 million deal.

With three national championships and six Final Four appearances under her belt, it’s clear why fans and critics alike admire her work. “We’ve built something special here,” Staley told The Athletic in 2022, and it’s hard to argue with her success. Fans have rallied behind her, with one noting, “Dawn’s earning that bag and then some!”

Beyond her coaching salary, Staley diversifies her income through endorsement deals, including partnerships with Aflac and other brands. Her career as a six-time WNBA All-Star with the Charlotte Sting and three Olympic gold medals as a player continue to fuel her business ventures. Additionally, her Dawn Staley Foundation and “Netlife” podcast offer extra revenue streams, expanding her influence beyond basketball.

“I’m not doing this just for the money,” Staley once said, emphasizing her advocacy for equity in women’s sports. Still, with a $12 million net worth, it’s clear her success in both basketball and business has paid off. From her record-setting point guard days in Virginia to becoming South Carolina’s queen, Dawn Staley‘s legacy continues to grow, and she’s far from finished.