In a monumental gesture that left the basketball world in awe, two-time WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist A’ja Wilson has gifted her alma mater, the University of South Carolina, a staggering $15 million—a donation that is already being hailed as one of the most impactful contributions in the history of women’s college basketball. The historic announcement came during a surprise press conference at Colonial Life Arena, where Wilson was greeted by roaring applause and emotional embraces from players, fans, alumni, and her former coach, Dawn Staley.
The $15 million donation—earmarked for the advancement of women’s basketball, educational resources, mental health initiatives, and athletic development at South Carolina—instantly cements Wilson’s legacy not only as one of the most dominant players to ever wear a Gamecocks jersey, but also as a visionary leader committed to shaping the future of the sport. The gift is the largest by a female athlete to a university in NCAA history and underscores the power of investing back into the system that once cultivated her greatness.
As the crowd quieted and the media gathered in stunned silence, Wilson took the podium wearing a custom white Gamecocks blazer embroidered with her college number—22—on the sleeve. Choking up slightly, she paused to collect herself before delivering remarks that were equal parts heartfelt, inspirational, and historic.
“I wouldn’t be who I am today without the University of South Carolina,” Wilson said. “This place, this program, this community believed in me before the world knew my name. Coach Staley didn’t just coach me—she empowered me. She taught me how to lead, how to compete, how to love who I am. This gift isn’t about me. It’s about every little girl who dreams of playing on this court. It’s about legacy. It’s about giving back to the game that gave me everything.”
The significance of Wilson’s donation is impossible to overstate. At a time when the conversation around equity in women’s sports continues to gain momentum, her $15 million contribution represents a seismic shift in how former athletes can directly uplift the next generation. Her gift will fund scholarship endowments, upgrades to training facilities, nutrition programs, expanded staff resources, and a new mentorship and leadership institute for female athletes on campus. Perhaps most notably, part of the money will also go toward establishing the A’ja Wilson Center for Mental Health & Wellness, a first-of-its-kind facility dedicated to supporting student-athletes across all sports at South Carolina.
Coach Dawn Staley, who was instrumental in developing Wilson into a national player of the year and WNBA No. 1 overall pick, struggled to hold back tears as she addressed the crowd following Wilson’s announcement. Holding Wilson’s hand tightly, Staley’s voice cracked with emotion as she spoke of her former player’s unwavering loyalty, grace, and strength.
“A’ja has always been different,” Staley said. “She came here as a 17-year-old kid with the weight of the world on her shoulders and left as a national champion. And now, she returns not just as one of the greatest players to ever play this game—but as a woman of substance, of purpose, of unshakable heart. What she’s doing here today will impact generations. This gift—this legacy—will carry far beyond basketball. I’m just so incredibly proud of her.”
Wilson’s influence has long stretched beyond the hardwood. A national figure and vocal advocate for racial justice, women’s rights, and mental health, she has continuously used her platform to amplify causes close to her heart. Her memoir, her nonprofit work, and now this historic donation, all illustrate a young woman deeply aware of her roots and the power of representation.
But it’s South Carolina where Wilson’s story began—and where it has now come full circle. Born and raised in Columbia, Wilson was a hometown hero before she ever suited up for the Gamecocks. A McDonald’s All-American and the nation’s top recruit in 2014, her commitment to Staley’s program put South Carolina on the map in a way that forever changed the perception of women’s college basketball in the South.
During her time in garnet and black, Wilson won a national championship, three SEC Player of the Year awards, and countless accolades. But her impact went beyond stats. She was the face of a movement—a symbol of what was possible when talent, opportunity, and community intersected.
Now, with this unprecedented $15 million gift, Wilson is empowering others to dream bigger. Former teammates, coaches, and rivals flooded social media with reactions—many in disbelief, many emotional, all in celebration.
WNBA star and Olympic teammate Breanna Stewart tweeted, “A’ja just changed the game AGAIN. Absolute legend.” ESPN’s Holly Rowe wrote, “One of the most inspiring things I’ve ever witnessed. A’ja Wilson doesn’t just talk about change—she is the change.” Even NBA players chimed in. Chris Paul called it “next level leadership,” while Steph Curry posted a photo of Wilson with the caption, “Queen. Builder. Trailblazer.”
But nowhere was the response more moving than among current South Carolina players. Many of them grew up idolizing Wilson, watching her dominate at Colonial Life Arena and later on the Olympic stage. Now, they get to benefit directly from her generosity and example.
“This is beyond inspiring,” said Gamecocks junior guard Raven Johnson. “A’ja didn’t just open doors—she’s building the whole house. She’s showing us what it looks like to lead with love, to give back, and to never forget where you come from. I hope I can be that kind of role model one day.”
Freshman forward Saniya Rivers added, “She’s everything we want to be. She’s real, she’s bold, and she’s ours.”
South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner confirmed that Wilson’s gift is one of the largest ever made to the university by any athlete, male or female. He announced that in recognition of her transformative impact, the school will officially rename the women’s basketball practice facility the A’ja Wilson Performance Center, complete with a bronze statue set to be unveiled later this year.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment for the University of South Carolina,” Tanner said. “A’ja’s generosity is unparalleled. Her love for this school, this program, and this community is evident in every word she spoke today. We are honored and humbled.”
In many ways, the gift also represents a shift in the power dynamics of women’s sports. For years, former male athletes have been celebrated for giving back—whether it’s LeBron James opening a school or Michael Jordan donating millions to social justice causes. Wilson’s donation proves that female athletes, too, are capable of shaping institutions in bold, lasting ways.
And at just 28 years old, Wilson isn’t done.
In fact, she said she views this moment not as a capstone, but as a launch point. “I want this to be a spark,” she said. “If I can do this, then I hope other athletes—especially women—realize they can too. We have the power to build our own legacies. We have the power to pour into the places that poured into us.”
As the press conference came to a close, the crowd rose for a standing ovation that seemed to last forever. Wilson, with tears in her eyes, waved to the fans she once thrilled as a college superstar and now stuns again—not with a jump shot, but with the size of her heart.
Coach Staley embraced her one more time and whispered something in her ear. When asked later what she said, Staley smiled and said, “I just told her, ‘You’ve always been my MVP. Now you’re everybody’s hero.’”
The legacy of A’ja Wilson was already secure, but with this gift, it has transcended sport entirely. She is no longer just a product of South Carolina. She is one of its greatest architects.