How much will NC State basketball pay Justin Gainey? What his contract says
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- N.C. State signed Justin Gainey to a five-year deal worth just under $13M.
- Up to $950K in performance bonuses; national title bonuses can be up to $500K.
- Buyout is $5M if he leaves by Apr 1, 2027, then drops $1M yearly to Apr 1, 2030.
Three hours after formally introducing Justin Gainey as the Wolfpack’s new head men’s basketball coach Wednesday, N.C. State released his contract.
Gainey signed his new contract Monday, a five-year deal worth just under $13 million. Wednesday was his first day of employment.
“Coach Gainey is a veteran coach with 20 years of experience at the highest level since his time as a player,” N.C. State athletic director Boo Corrigan said during Gainey’s introductory press conference. “He’s coached with some of the great coaches. He’s gained a wealth of experience. He’s been a part of big games. He knows what it takes to win at the highest level.”
Gainey will make $2.35 million in Year 1, with the amount increasing $100,000 each year through the end of the contract term. This includes base salary and supplemental income, which includes coaching duties in addition to fundraising, media, apparel and equipment services, and the use of Gainey’s name, image and likeness.
His agreement with the Wolfpack includes a $5 million buyout if Gainey leaves on or before April 1, 2027. That drops $1 million per year until April 1, 2030. If he leaves after that date, he would not have a buyout. This is a structure similar to former coach Will Wade’s contract.
N.C. State settled on a $4 million buyout with Wade, which is going toward the program. It reportedly did not have to pay Tennessee a buyout for Gainey to leave the Volunteers, something it would’ve done had it hired a sitting head coach. Like other coaches, Gainey can receive up to $950,000 in performance bonuses based on how the team does in competition.
Gainey could receive $100,000 if the team wins the ACC regular-season title or is named co-champion. He would earn $50,000 for an ACC title game appearance and $100,000 for winning the championship.
He is eligible for non-cumulative bonuses based on the team’s success in the NCAA Tournament, as well.
Bonuses for March Madness come with a higher incentive. A trip to the First Four in Dayton, Ohio, is worth $30,000. Gainey’s bonuses increase up to $500,000 for a national championship win.
Gainey’s salary is slightly lower than that of his predecessors. Wade made $2.5 million in his lone season with the Wolfpack. Kevin Keatts received $3.3 million in his final year, but that included performance bonuses from the 2024 ACC Championships and Final Four run.
Gainey is eligible to receive bonuses based on where the team finishes in the final Associated Press or USA Today rankings and for earning any coach of the year honor from the ACC or one of five organizations.
Academic progress and graduation benchmark bonuses range from $25,000 to $100,000.
The contract does not specify the salary pool for assistant coaches and support staff members.
Other benefits include up to two courtesy vehicles, complimentary suite tickets for N.C. State home games, complimentary tickets to the ACC Basketball Tournament, reimbursement for Final Four tickets and eight Dail Club tickets to NC State football games.
This story was originally published April 1, 2026 at 6:59 PM with the headline "How much will NC State basketball pay Justin Gainey? What his contract says."
