Dawn Staley, one of the most iconic figures in the history of women’s basketball, continues to expand her influence in the sport. CBS Sports has officially announced the addition of the legendary South Carolina head coach to its WNBA coverage team. Staley, known for her championship pedigree and candid, insightful commentary, will now lend her voice and basketball acumen to a national audience during key WNBA matchups. It’s a move that not only enhances CBS’s broadcasting lineup but also signals the increasing importance of women’s basketball in the broader sports media landscape.
Staley’s role will involve providing analysis during select WNBA broadcasts, including in-studio appearances and game-day commentary. Her debut is expected to come early in the season, with CBS planning to feature her during several marquee games, playoff matchups, and potentially the WNBA Finals. The move is already being celebrated by fans and analysts alike, who view Staley’s presence on the airwaves as a win for representation, authenticity, and expert analysis.
For Staley, this latest venture is not just a new opportunity—it’s a continuation of a journey that has long transcended the court. As head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, she has built a dynasty in Columbia, guiding the program to multiple national championships, Final Four appearances, and consistent SEC dominance. Her ability to develop talent, inspire athletes, and speak truth to power has made her one of the most respected voices in sports. Now, that voice will reach an even broader audience.
While Staley has long been a fixture in NCAA basketball, her roots in the professional game run deep. She was a standout player in the WNBA herself, spending six seasons in the league and earning All-Star honors three times. Her basketball IQ, leadership, and toughness were hallmarks of her playing career and have become defining traits in her coaching persona. With CBS’s decision to bring her into the fold, the network gains not just a respected coach but a seasoned pro with firsthand experience in the league she will now cover.
The move also reflects the growing stature of the WNBA, which continues to attract record viewership, sponsorships, and media attention. With an ever-increasing spotlight on women’s sports, broadcasters are looking to invest in personalities who not only know the game but can also connect with audiences. Staley fits that bill perfectly. Her authenticity, charisma, and championship credentials make her a natural fit for a league built on empowerment, excellence, and evolution.
CBS Sports executive producer Harold Bryant praised the hire, noting that Staley’s addition to the team will elevate the coverage in a way few others could. “Dawn Staley brings a unique perspective as someone who has succeeded at every level of basketball,” Bryant said. “Her understanding of the game, her ability to break down plays, and her passion for the sport will bring tremendous value to our WNBA broadcasts.”
Staley, in turn, expressed enthusiasm for the new role. “I’m excited to join the CBS Sports team and be part of bringing more visibility to the WNBA,” she said. “Women’s basketball is in such an incredible place right now, and I’m honored to help tell those stories and share insights from my experiences both as a coach and former player.”
The timing of the announcement couldn’t be better. The WNBA is entering a season full of anticipation and excitement, with rookies like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso—a former Staley protégé at South Carolina—joining the league. Their arrival has sparked unprecedented buzz, and networks are leaning into the moment with deeper coverage, enhanced production, and greater star power. Staley’s addition underscores CBS’s commitment to capturing the full scope of the WNBA’s growing narrative.
For South Carolina fans, the news is bittersweet. While Staley’s presence on CBS will no doubt be a point of pride, it also means her time will be split even more. But Gamecock Nation understands better than most that Staley’s impact has never been confined to one arena. Her leadership transcends the hardwood. From coaching the U.S. Women’s National Team to fighting for equity in women’s sports, to mentoring young athletes on and off the court, she’s always found ways to elevate the game.
In many ways, this new role with CBS is just another extension of that mission. It’s a chance for Staley to use her platform to shine a light on the athletes who follow in her footsteps. As women’s basketball continues to surge in popularity, the presence of high-profile ambassadors like Staley will play a crucial role in sustaining that momentum.
The significance of this moment extends beyond just one network or one coach. It’s indicative of a broader shift happening in sports media—one where women’s voices are not only included but celebrated. And as the lines between collegiate and professional basketball continue to blur, figures like Staley help bridge the gap with insight, experience, and unmatched credibility.
For CBS, the move also aligns with its broader strategy to expand its sports coverage with engaging, knowledgeable personalities. The network has already made waves with its NFL, NCAA, and PGA teams, and now seeks to bring that same energy and excellence to the WNBA. Adding someone like Staley isn’t just a strategic move; it’s a statement of intent.
In addition to her CBS duties, Staley is expected to maintain her full responsibilities at South Carolina, where she recently reaffirmed her commitment to continuing the program’s winning tradition. With her leadership, the Gamecocks remain among the nation’s elite, and her recruiting acumen shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, her presence on a national stage may make the program even more attractive to prospective student-athletes.
It’s also worth noting the example Staley sets for other coaches, particularly women and people of color. Her ability to juggle high-level coaching responsibilities with media obligations highlights the versatility and ambition required to break new ground in sports. She’s long been a trailblazer, and this latest chapter only reinforces that status.
Staley’s authenticity is perhaps her greatest asset. Whether she’s leading her team in the huddle, addressing issues of social justice, or breaking down pick-and-rolls on a broadcast, she brings the same passion and integrity to every endeavor. Audiences can expect her CBS segments to reflect that same no-nonsense, deeply informed approach that has made her a beloved figure in basketball circles.
The inclusion of former players and coaches in broadcast roles isn’t new, but Staley’s transition is particularly compelling because of the timing. The WNBA is enjoying a cultural moment, and CBS is smart to seize on that by bringing in voices that can contextualize what’s happening on the court and beyond. From locker room dynamics to player development, from league expansion to media representation, Staley has lived it all—and now, she can share those insights with viewers nationwide.
There’s also something poetic about this next step for Staley. As a player, she helped pave the way for today’s WNBA stars. As a coach, she has molded the next generation of elite talent. Now, as a broadcaster, she has the opportunity to amplify those stories, advocate for the sport, and connect with fans in new and powerful ways.
In the end, Dawn Staley joining CBS’s WNBA coverage is much more than a personnel move. It’s a milestone in the ongoing evolution of sports media. It’s a celebration of a life devoted to basketball. And most importantly, it’s a signal to young athletes everywhere that the game doesn’t end when the final buzzer sounds—it evolves, it expands, and it reaches new heights, just like the people who play it.
So, as Staley prepares to bring her unique voice to living rooms across the country, there’s no doubt that her presence will make a difference. For the WNBA, for CBS, and for fans of the game, the message is clear: basketball is better when Dawn Staley is part of the conversation.
