ESPN BOMBSHELL: WNBA Superstars A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston Launch Multi-Million Dollar Endowment for South Carolina Women’s Basketball—National Champions Turn Philanthropists to Uplift Next Generation of Gamecock Greats
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Columbia, SC — May 5, 2025
In a landmark moment for women’s collegiate athletics, WNBA superstars and South Carolina Gamecocks legends A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston have announced the establishment of a multi-million dollar endowment to support the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program. This unprecedented philanthropic gesture aims to provide sustained support for scholarships, training facilities, leadership development, and mental health resources for current and future Gamecock athletes.
A Legacy of Excellence
A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston are two of the most decorated athletes in South Carolina women’s basketball history. Wilson, a Columbia native, led the Gamecocks to their first NCAA championship in 2017 and was named the unanimous National Player of the Year in 2018. Her contributions to the program were immortalized with a statue and the retirement of her No. 22 jersey at Colonial Life Arena.
Boston, hailing from the U.S. Virgin Islands, continued the program’s legacy of excellence. She was instrumental in securing the 2022 NCAA championship and earned numerous accolades, including the Naismith College Player of the Year and the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player.
The Wilson-Boston Legacy Fund
The newly established Wilson-Boston Legacy Fund is estimated to be valued between $5 million and $10 million, making it one of the largest private donations by former collegiate athletes to a women’s basketball program. The fund’s core mission is to elevate the women’s basketball program by removing financial barriers and offering holistic support to student-athletes.
“This is where it all started for us,” said Wilson during the announcement at Colonial Life Arena. “The University of South Carolina didn’t just help us become better athletes—it helped us become better women, leaders, and role models. Aliyah and I are here today to say thank you and to make sure the next generation of Gamecocks have even more opportunities.”
Boston echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community that shaped her career. “South Carolina gave me the platform to grow, both on and off the court. It’s only right that we invest in the future of this program and ensure that upcoming athletes have the resources they need to succeed.”
Comprehensive Support for Athletes
The Wilson-Boston Legacy Fund is designed to provide comprehensive support for the women’s basketball program. Key areas of focus include:
- Scholarships: Ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder talented athletes from joining the program.
- Training Facilities: Upgrading and maintaining state-of-the-art facilities to provide athletes with the best resources for development.
- Leadership Development: Offering programs and workshops to cultivate leadership skills among student-athletes.
- Mental Health Resources: Providing access to mental health professionals and support systems to promote overall well-being.
Additionally, a portion of the fund will be allocated to community outreach initiatives and expanding youth basketball programs throughout South Carolina, further solidifying the program’s commitment to societal impact.
A Model for Athlete Philanthropy
The establishment of the Wilson-Boston Legacy Fund sets a precedent for athlete-driven philanthropy in collegiate sports. By leveraging their professional success and personal experiences, Wilson and Boston are creating a sustainable model for supporting athletic programs and empowering future generations.
Their initiative underscores the potential for athletes to effect meaningful change beyond their playing careers, inspiring others to consider similar contributions to their alma maters and communities.
Coach Dawn Staley’s Endorsement
South Carolina’s head coach, Dawn Staley, who has been instrumental in the development of both Wilson and Boston, praised their commitment to the program. “A’ja and Aliyah have always exemplified the values we hold dear—excellence, integrity, and community. Their generosity will have a lasting impact on our program and the lives of countless student-athletes.”
Staley herself has been a transformative figure in women’s basketball, recently signing a $25 million contract extension with South Carolina, ensuring her continued leadership through the 2029-30 season.
Broader Implications for Women’s Sports
The Wilson-Boston Legacy Fund arrives at a pivotal time for women’s sports, as discussions around equity, visibility, and investment continue to gain momentum. This endowment not only provides tangible support for South Carolina’s program but also serves as a powerful statement about the importance of investing in women’s athletics.
By taking proactive steps to ensure the sustainability and growth of the program, Wilson and Boston are contributing to the broader movement advocating for gender equity in sports.
The launch of the Wilson-Boston Legacy Fund marks a significant milestone in the history of South Carolina women’s basketball and sets a new standard for athlete philanthropy. Through their generous contribution, A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston are not only honoring their past but also shaping the future of the program and inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue excellence both on and off the court.
