Full Breakdown
South Carolina Sets Record with Twelve Alumnae on 2026 WNBA Opening-Day Rosters
5/9/2026, 6:12:38 AM
Record-Setting Presence of Gamecock Alumnae on Opening Day
On May 7, 2026, twelve former South Carolina Gamecocks were named to opening-day rosters of WNBA teams, the most ever from the program and the second-largest representation among all universities for the 2026 season.
Program Growth and Historical Context
Since Dawn Staley became head coach in 2008, the Gamecocks have produced 23 WNBA players, 19 of whom entered the league during her tenure. The program added nine players to the league in the past five years, the highest total of any college program.
Alumni on Opening-Day Rosters
- A'ja Wilson – Las Vegas Aces (four MVP trophies)
- Allisha Gray – Atlanta Dream (10th season, three-time All-Star)
- Te-Hina Paopao – Atlanta Dream (second season)
- Madina Okot – Atlanta Dream (2026 first-round pick, No. 13 overall)
- Aliyah Boston – Indiana Fever (2023 No. 1 overall, $6.3 million contract)
- Tyasha Harris – Indiana Fever (seventh season, former Dallas Wings)
- Raven Johnson – Indiana Fever (2026 No. 10 overall rookie)
- Sania Feagin – Los Angeles Sparks (second season)
- Ta’Niya Latson – Los Angeles Sparks (2026 second-round rookie)
- Laeticia Amihere – Golden State Valkyries (fourth season)
- Zia Cooke – Seattle Storm (fourth season)
- Kamilla Cardoso – Chicago Sky (third season, All-Rookie Team 2024)
Statistical Overview
The twelve alumnae join 37 SEC players on opening-day rosters, giving South Carolina the conference lead. Six former Gamecocks have earned WNBA All-Rookie Team honors; three—Gray (2017), Wilson (2018) and Boston (2023)—won Rookie of the Year. Wilson holds four MVP awards; Boston’s $6.3 million extension eclipsed Wilson’s prior $5 million record.
Impact on the Gamecock Program and Women’s Basketball
The milestone underscores the Gamecocks’ pipeline to the professional ranks, enhancing recruiting leverage and reinforcing the program’s national profile. It also raises the visibility of SEC talent in the WNBA, potentially influencing league marketing and fan engagement.
Official Statements from Coaches and University
Coach Dawn Staley posted on X, “We are blessed!! Earned. Deserved. And never ever taken for granted. God is the greatest!!” — dawnstaley. USC Athletics Communications highlighted the achievement as a testament to the program’s development. Atlanta Dream head coach Karl Smesko praised Okot’s potential; Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White lauded Johnson’s defensive activity; Los Angeles Sparks coach Lynne Roberts said Latson will contribute to the rotation.
Contract Record Discrepancy
Sources differ on the league’s highest contract: Wilson’s three-year, $5 million supermax was the record until Boston’s four-year, $6.3 million extension was announced, creating a conflicting claim about the current record.
Outlook for the 2026 Season
All twelve alumni will compete in the 2026 season. The Las Vegas Aces, who captured a WNBA championship within the last four years, entered the season with Wilson on the roster. The Indiana Fever, after signing Boston to a record $6.3 million extension, expressed hopes for a deep playoff run. The Atlanta Dream, bolstered by Okot, Gray and Paopao, was described as a potential surprise playoff team. Their performances will shape the perception of South Carolina’s impact on the professional game.