In recent weeks, the South Carolina Gamecocks made history by winning their third national championship and their first perfect season. The game was highly anticipated and drew a record-breaking audience, becoming the most-watched basketball game at any level since 2019.
After their victory, Coach Dawn Staley and the team visited the New York Stock Exchange to ring the opening bell and celebrate on a national stage. This appearance showcased the growing popularity and success of women’s sports, with basketball drawing large audiences this year. Additionally, A’ja Wilson’s pursuit of the college basketball scoring record and South Carolina’s bid for an undefeated season contributed to increased interest in women’s basketball.
Wilson was drafted first overall in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft, joining the Indiana Fever and helping boost ticket prices across the country. Coach Staley emphasized the importance of investing in women’s sports, highlighting South Carolina as a model for schools and universities to follow. She pointed out that the Gamecocks invest in her salary, student-athletes, and the overall program, leading to their success on the court.
Coach Staley has a salary of $3.1 million per season, making her one of the highest-paid coaches in women’s college basketball. She also earned significant bonuses following South Carolina’s championship win, demonstrating that investing in women’s sports can lead to a significant return on investment. Staley praised Wilson for her impact on women’s basketball, recognizing her as a superstar who has raised the level of play and attracted new audiences through appearances on platforms like “Saturday Night Live.”
