Billionaire entrepreneur and Tesla CEO Elon Musk offered a stunning $10 million donation in support of Coach Dawn Staley and her groundbreaking women’s basketball program at the University of South Carolina.

The offer, inspired by ongoing conversations around the evolution of women’s sports and Staley’s cultural impact within the NCAA, was met with an unexpected response—one that left headlines spinning.

Known for his bold ventures and headline-grabbing statements, Musk took to Twitter to declare his admiration for Staley’s leadership, writing simply: “I stand with you, Coach Dawn Staley.” His intention was clear—to uplift a movement, not just a team.

But in a twist no one saw coming, Coach Staley turned down the offer. Her response wasn’t just a rejection—it was a rallying cry. “Keep it and spend it on something that actually helps people,” she stated. Her words echoed far beyond the court, reverberating through both the business and sports communities with a rare kind of moral clarity.

At a time when the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team is dominating the national conversation—not just with their wins but with their message of equality—Musk’s donation seemed like a timely boost. Under Staley’s leadership, the program has become a symbol of excellence and advocacy. The offer was poised to fund scholarships, training facilities, and other enhancements that could elevate women’s athletics to even greater heights.

But Coach Staley wasn’t swayed by dollar signs.

“I’m honored by the generosity, but I can’t accept this,” she told reporters. “There are far more important causes that need that kind of financial attention. If Elon Musk truly wants to make an impact, I hope he considers using those resources to fight for healthcare access, better education systems, and affordable housing. That’s where the need is greatest.”

Musk, undeterred, doubled down on his support, tweeting, “Coach Staley is leading a movement in sports. This $10 million is just a token of my admiration for someone who is reshaping the future of athletics and equality.”

Still, Staley’s refusal has stirred a larger conversation about the power of purpose over profit. As a coach who’s built a dynasty from the ground up, winning three national titles and reshaping South Carolina into a women’s basketball powerhouse, her choice to say “no” reflects a deep sense of responsibility to broader social issues.

The Staley Standard: A Legacy Beyond the Game

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Coach Dawn Staley’s impact on women’s college basketball has long been undeniable, but in recent years, she’s moved beyond being just a coach—she’s become a cultural force. Her South Carolina Gamecocks aren’t just winning games; they’re redefining what it means to be a dominant program.

“It’s a really special place,” said Indiana guard Sydney Parrish ahead of her team’s second-round March Madness matchup against the Gamecocks. “It’s hard to win in Columbia right now—this is the epicenter of women’s basketball.”

And for good reason. Under Staley’s leadership since 2008, South Carolina has claimed three NCAA titles, reached six Final Fours, and tallied over 450 victories. If they capture another championship this year, they’ll become the first team since UConn in 2016 to repeat as national champions.

Staley’s resume places her among the game’s titans—Pat Summitt, Geno Auriemma, Tara VanDerveer. In fact, VanDerveer’s retirement last year has further spotlighted Staley as a key figure leading the sport into a new era.

“What Dawn has done over the last decade is absolutely incredible,” said Kim Rosamond, head coach of Tennessee Tech. “She’s now the torchbearer of the women’s game.”

South Carolina: The New Gold Standard

The transformation Staley has brought to Columbia has turned South Carolina into a dream destination for recruits and a nightmare for opponents. The environment she’s built is electric. At Colonial Life Arena, her record stands at an astonishing 230-35.

“She’s accomplished every goal there is,” said junior forward Chloe Kitts. “She belongs in the same breath as the legends.”

Indiana head coach Teri Moren agreed: “You can’t talk about Tennessee or UConn anymore without including South Carolina. They’ve raised the bar.”

Staley, however, isn’t focused on accolades. “I think we’ve already created a legacy,” she said. “Whether we win this one or not, what we’ve done over the past eight years won’t be done again. Another title just adds to what’s already there.”

What truly sets Staley’s program apart is the bond between the team and its fans. From handmade gifts to emotional messages, South Carolina’s community doesn’t just support its team—it treasures it.

Senior center Sakima Walker shared one touching example: “There’s this little girl who braided her hair with beads that have each of our names on them. That kind of love? It’s rare.”

The Gamecocks’ rise has also inspired players across the country.

“We’ve been trying to recreate that energy in Utah,” said Utes forward Jenna Johnson. “It’s fun to play in this kind of atmosphere.”

At the heart of this story isn’t just a rejected donation. It’s a defining moment of leadership. By declining Elon Musk’s multimillion-dollar gift, Staley reminded the world what real power looks like: the ability to say no in order to say yes to something greater.

She chose people over prestige. Advocacy over advancement. Purpose over popularity.

And in doing so, Dawn Staley once again proved why she’s not just changing the game—she’s changing the world.

You’ll be surprised by how Dawn Staley’s contract compares to South Carolina men’s coach Lamont Paris

Not only was Dawn Staley recently made the highest-paid coach in women’s basketball, but her contract now almost directly mimics South Carolina men’s basketball coach.

Staley, who won her third national championship at South Carolina in 2024, received an extension in January where she will receive an annual salary of $4 million with a $250,000 increase every season. Her deal came with a $500,000 signing bonus that makes the total value approximately $25.25 million. The extension lasts through the 2029-30 season.

South Carolina’s men’s basketball coach, Lamont Paris, received an extension last March that tied him to the Gamecocks through the 2029-30 season. Paris, who won the SEC’s Coach of the Year award in 2023-24, received a six-year deal worth more than $26 million.

Paris became the first South Carolina coach to be named the league’s coach of the year, as his program’s 25 wins were the most in a regular season in school history.

Staley’s women’s team received yet another top seed in the NCAA Tournament in 2025, while Paris’ men bottomed out with a 12-20 season — good for last in the SEC.

Staley has engineered almost unparalleled sustained dominance, with her program winning championships in 2017, 2022, 2024 and always among the nation’s best.

She’s certainly paid like it — before Staley’s new contract, LSU coach Kim Mulkey was the highest-paid coach at $3,264,000.