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Dawn Staley explains why she won’t leave college for the NBA or WNBA

Legendary coach Dawn Staley has had opportunities to turn pro, but she has different aspirations.

Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks
© Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesHead coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks

You can’t talk about basketball history without mentioning Dawn Staley’s name multiple times. She’s not only a college basketball legend but an institution of the game.

That’s why she was even mentioned as a potential candidate to replace Tom Thibodeau and become the New York Knicks’ head coach. That wasn’t the case, as she stayed with the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Notably, this isn’t the first time that her name has been tangled up in rumors. But despite all the speculation and the flashy lights of the pros, she’s stayed put. Now, we finally know why.

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Dawn Staley wants to be a team owner, not a coach

“Over the years, several WNBA teams have gauged my interest in coming on board. I don’t want to coach in the WNBA, never have. If I jump over, I want ownership,” she wrote in her book.

Dawn Staley in 2024

Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina

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Years ago, she was in the mix to take the reins of the Portland Trail Blazers, but she said that she “appreciated the consideration, but, in the end, it reminded me why coaching young women remains the ideal scenario for me.”

Now, it seems like her goals are pretty clear, and with the WNBA continuing its expansion in the following years, perhaps someone will get her to join an ownership group at one point.

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