The story of Dawn Staley’s rise in the basketball world from the streets of Philadelphia to international superstardom is practically a legend at this point. From a young age, she was highly competitive and full of grit, and that has never left her. Whether she was a fierce young player full of fire and determination or one of the most successful coaches in women’s college basketball, Staley has always held true to herself- both in her love of the game and her commitment to her players.

Fast forward to 2025, and Staley’s legacy is more than a long list of impressive records and accolades. She is in the midst of dominating the college basketball landscape and has people buzzing about her already remarkable coaching career.

With a record of 467-109 for the South Carolina Gamecocks, Staley has made a name for herself as a fixture in a sport that continues to grow in popularity and financial power. Let’s get an at-what-costs look at how much Staley’s immense success translates into her salary and net worth.

What is Dawn Staley’s contract with South Carolina? How long is the deal?

“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. “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.” The Gamecocks have been one of the dominant programs in college basketball under her leadership, advancing to six of the last nine Final Fours, including four straight.

In January 2025, Staley signed an eye-popping contract extension with the Gamecocks, making her the highest-paid women’s college basketball coach ever. This was a five-year deal worth $25.25 million; this deal will run through the 2029-30 season.

Going into this deal’s specifics. Staley is set to make a whopping $4 million a year with a $250,000 annual raise. The deal also contains a $500,000 signing bonus.

Clearly, Staley has made an impression. Under her guidance, South Carolina has evolved into one of the top programs in women’s college basketball, completing the 2023-24 season undefeated at 38-0 and winning its third national title.

How much will Dawn Staley earn in the 2025 NCAA season?

As we discussed before, Staley’s recent contract extension includes an annual base salary of $4 million. In addition, she receives a $250,000 annual escalator, meaning her salary will rise by that amount each year. So now her salary for 2025 will be $4 million plus the escalator, or $4.25 million. However, the escalator kicks in after Year 1, so the base will be $4 million for 2025.

It should be noted that this contract also features a one-time signing bonus of $500,000, but that is separate from her annual earnings. In total, Dawn Staley is set to make a mint, equivalent to her success with South Carolina’s women’s basketball program.

What was Dawn Staley’s previous contract with the South Carolina Gamecocks?

Dawn Staley’s previous contract with the Gamecocks before her recent extension was a seven-year deal worth a total of $22.4 million. Which she signed in 2021. Under that deal she was paid $2.9 million a year, along with $100,000 raise each year, which would have continued till the 2027-28 season.

In terms of details, her prior contract called for a base pay of $1 million with supplemental pay of $2 million. This arrangement worked well — Staley built the Gamecocks into a national power and became a perennial top-five team in the NCAA.

What is Dawn Staley’s net worth in 2025?

Dawn Staley’s net worth in 2025 is approximately $12 million. This number is indicative of her success as a player and coach in her time with the South Carolina Gamecocks and as a professional player playing in the WNBA and overseas.

Now, considering her previous NCAA Tournaments and consistent top-rankings in the NCAA, her recent contract extension, which made her the highest-value women’s college basketball coach, will likely extend her net worth substantially over time—and it’s just a matter of time.