Both Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley have won enough—both on the court and in their bank accounts—to call it a day and give the rest of women’s college basketball a chance. However, both the UConn Huskies’ and South Carolina Gamecocks’ head coaches are driven by an insatiable desire to win more.
That common factor has led to memorable showdowns between their two programs. Most recently in the National Championship in 2025, when the Huskies defeated the Gamecocks. Revenge is a dish best served cold, though, and Staley will have her shot at it in 2026. As UConn and South Carolina square off in the Final Four, fans are in for yet another matchup between Staley and Auriemma. And this one has a lot of prize money on the line.
According to information from CT Insider, Auriemma has already made $250,000 in bonuses as UConn reached the Final Four ($50K for making NCAA Tournament + $50K for advancing to Sweet Sixteen + $50K for reaching Elite Eight + $100K for Final Four appearance). That must be added to Auriemma’s reported $3.54 million salary for the 2025-26 college basketball season.
Still, Auriemma—coaching his 41st season at Storrs—isn’t cashing in his paycheck just yet. He can add an extra $125,000 with a win over South Carolina to make the National Championship Game, and he could cash in $300,000 by capturing his 13th national title in 2026—women’s college basketball record is held by Auriemma with 12 championships.
We meet again: Auriemma and Staley’s programs face-off once more
Staley’s contract bonuses
As for Staley, she hasn’t had to pinch pennies in Columbia, either. In January 2025, Staley became the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball history. South Carolina signed her to an extension running through the 2029–30 campaign. Under her new deal, Staley earned a base salary of $4.25 million this season.
According to Boardroom, Staley’s bonuses in the NCAA Tournament are as follows: $25,000 for reaching the tournament, $50,000 for making it to the Sweet Sixteen, $100,000 for an Elite Eight appearance, $250,000 for reaching the Final Four, and a whopping $500,000 for winning the national championship.
Last season, Staley came awfully close to cashing in on that last incentive, but it was Auriemma and UConn who prevented her from doing so. This time around, she hopes to return the favor, as the Gamecocks aim to capture their second title in three years and stop the Huskies from going back-to-back and completing yet another undefeated season.
