**ESPN REPORT: A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston Announce Multi-Million Dollar Endowment for Gamecocks Women’s Basketball: National Champions and WNBA Stars Give Back to Their Alma Mater, Creating Lasting Opportunities for Future Generations**
In a monumental move that underscores their commitment to the program that shaped their careers, WNBA superstars A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston have announced a multi-million dollar endowment for the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program. The historic gift, one of the largest ever by former athletes to a women’s sports program, is set to provide lasting resources for future generations of Gamecocks, ensuring that the team remains a powerhouse in collegiate athletics.
Wilson and Boston, both Naismith Player of the Year winners and national champions under legendary coach Dawn Staley, have long been vocal about the transformative impact South Carolina had on their lives. Now, they are paying it forward in a major way, solidifying their legacy not just as elite players but as pillars of the Gamecock community.
### **A Legacy of Excellence**
A’ja Wilson, the two-time WNBA MVP and reigning Finals MVP with the Las Vegas Aces, led South Carolina to its first national championship in 2017. Her dominance in college—where she was a three-time SEC Player of the Year and the 2018 National Player of the Year—cemented her as one of the greatest players in program history. Since being drafted first overall in 2018, she has become the face of the WNBA, a vocal advocate for women’s sports, and now, a philanthropist dedicated to uplifting the next wave of talent.
Aliyah Boston, the 2022 National Player of the Year and four-time All-American, followed in Wilson’s footsteps, anchoring the Gamecocks’ 2022 national title run with her unparalleled defensive presence and leadership. Drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever in 2023, Boston has quickly established herself as one of the league’s brightest young stars. Like Wilson, she has remained deeply connected to her alma mater, frequently returning to mentor current players and support the program.
Together, they represent the gold standard of South Carolina basketball—players who achieved greatness on the court and are now ensuring that future Gamecocks have even greater opportunities to succeed.
### **The Endowment: A Game-Changer for Women’s Basketball**
While the exact figure of the endowment has not been disclosed, sources indicate it is among the largest gifts ever made by former athletes to a women’s basketball program. The funds will be directed toward scholarships, facility upgrades, recruiting resources, and player development initiatives, ensuring that South Carolina remains at the forefront of women’s college basketball.
In an exclusive statement to ESPN, Wilson emphasized the importance of giving back: *”South Carolina gave me everything—a family, a platform, and the tools to become the player and person I am today. This program, Coach Staley, and the fans believed in me before the world knew my name. Now, it’s my turn to make sure the next generation of Gamecocks have even more than I did.”*
Boston echoed those sentiments, adding, *”This is about more than basketball. It’s about creating opportunities for young women to grow, lead, and excel in whatever they choose to do. Coach Staley always taught us that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves, and this endowment is our way of keeping that legacy alive.”*
### **Dawn Staley’s Vision Realized**
Head coach Dawn Staley, a Hall of Famer and one of the most influential figures in women’s basketball, has built South Carolina into a perennial contender by fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and family. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have won multiple SEC championships, made numerous Final Four appearances, and claimed two national titles.
Staley’s ability to develop players like Wilson and Boston—not just as athletes but as leaders—has been a hallmark of her tenure. Now, seeing her former stars invest so significantly in the program’s future is a testament to the culture she has cultivated.
*”This is what it’s all about,”* Staley told ESPN. *”When your players go on to achieve their dreams and then turn around and lift up those coming behind them, it shows the true power of this program. A’ja and Aliyah could have done anything with their resources, but they chose to invest in the Gamecock family. That speaks volumes about who they are.”*
### **The Ripple Effect in Women’s Sports**
Wilson and Boston’s endowment is more than just a financial boost for South Carolina—it’s a statement about the growing influence of women’s sports and the responsibility of elite athletes to drive change. In recent years, female athletes have increasingly used their platforms to advocate for equity, investment, and visibility in women’s basketball. This move by two of the game’s biggest stars sets a powerful precedent.
With name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals now a major factor in college athletics, top programs must find new ways to remain competitive. By providing substantial financial support, Wilson and Boston are ensuring that South Carolina can continue to attract elite talent while offering resources that go beyond what NIL alone can provide.
### **The Future of Gamecock Basketball**
The impact of this endowment will be felt for decades. Current and future players will benefit from enhanced training facilities, academic support, and leadership development programs—all critical components in maintaining a championship-caliber program.
For recruits considering South Carolina, the message is clear: This is a program where legends are made, and those legends don’t forget where they came from. The combination of Staley’s leadership, a passionate fanbase, and now the financial backing of two of the program’s greatest players makes South Carolina an even more attractive destination for the nation’s top talent.
### **A Lasting Legacy**
A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston could have rested on their individual accolades, but instead, they chose to invest in the future. Their endowment is a reminder that true greatness extends beyond the court—it’s about lifting others as you climb.
As the Gamecocks continue to compete for championships, they’ll do so with the unwavering support of two players who helped build the foundation. And for the next generation of South Carolina stars, the path to success just got a little brighter, thanks to the generosity of those who walked it before them.
This is more than a donation—it’s a promise. A promise that the Gamecock legacy will endure, that opportunities will expand, and that the women who wear the South Carolina jersey will always have a family behind them, long after their playing days are over.
In the words of A’ja Wilson: *”Once a Gamecock, always a Gamecock. And now, forever, this program will have what it needs to keep winning—on and off the court.”*
**ESPN** will continue to follow this story as more details emerge about the endowment and its long-term impact on South Carolina women’s basketball.
