Dawn Staley just finished South Carolina’s undefeated season and witnessed the end of Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking college career — and she thinks women’s basketball is just getting started.
“I think we’re in a moment… from a place where our game has been held back to now it’s at a place where it’s bursting through the seams… I think it’s going to get better and better,” a- she told CNBC on Tuesday.
The Hall of Fame coach and former player led the Gamecocks to their third national championship and first perfect season in franchise history by defeating Clark and Iowa earlier this month. The match, broadcast on ESPNwas the most-watched basketball game across the board since 2019, according to Nielsen.
On Tuesday, Staley and the Gamecocks made another visit to the national stage – this time, to the New York Stock Exchange, to ring the opening bell to celebrate their national championship victory. The appearance is just another example of how women’s sports have reached new heights this year as basketball has attracted record audiences, thanks in large part to Clark’s pursuit of the college basketball and to South Carolina’s bid for an undefeated season.
The NYSE hosts University of South Carolina women’s basketball on April 16, 2024, in recognition of its 2024 NCAA National Championship. Honoring the occasion are Dawn Staley, head coach, and Kamilla Cardoso, 2024 MOP , Women’s Final Four, joined by NYSE President Sharon Bowen, ring The Opening Bell®.
New York stock market
Clark was picked first in the Women’s National Basketball Association draft Monday night, and her arrival to the Indiana Fever has already driven up ticket prices across the United States.
Staley cited the Gamecocks as an example of why schools should invest in women’s sports.
“I hope every school or university treats women’s sports like South Carolina does,” she said. “They’re investing in my salary, they’re investing in the student-athletes…and here we are.”
Staley, who is the second-highest paid coach in women’s college basketball, has a salary of $3.1 million per season and earned $680,000 more in bonuses after South Carolina’s championship.
“I think the time has come for (schools) to see that there is a return on investment when you get into our game,” she said.
Staley also reflected on Clark’s effect on women’s basketball, not only attracting new audiences to the sport but also appearing on platforms such as “Saturday Night Live.”
“Caitlin Clark is a superstar. I credit her for raising the bar and we have to thank her for that,” Staley said.
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