Caitlin Clark has become one of the most talked-about stars in sports since joining the WNBA. Her prowess on the court, combined with her immense popularity, has brought newfound attention to the league.
From dominating basketball to drawing massive crowds at events like the Pro-Am golf tournament, Clark‘s star power seems unstoppable.
However, even before her professional career reached these heights, she was presented with an enticing opportunity-one she ultimately declined.
Rapper and Big 3 founder Ice Cube recently revealed that he offered Clark a staggering $5 million to join his league.
In an interview with Baller Alert Inc., Ice Cube confirmed the deal, stating, “Yeah, we did.” This offer, groundbreaking in its scope, was far beyond what WNBA players earn, with rookie salaries starting at $76,000 and maxing out around $97,000 in their fourth season.
Despite the allure of the offer, Clark turned it down, reportedly due to concerns from her representation.
Why Caitlin Clark Rejected the Big 3 Deal
Ice Cube elaborated on why the deal fell through, pointing fingers at Clark‘s agents. “I believe she did [consider it], but I think her agents were hating on it,” he explained.
“They kind of made a business decision and didn’t let us speak with her or her family.” Cube speculated that her agents were cautious about jeopardizing their existing NBA relationships. “Her agents… also got a lot of NBA guys they make millions off of. And the women that they don’t make that much money off of. So, I think they was like… she going to go back to the WNBA,” he said.
Ice Cube’s Big 3 league has garnered attention with notable figures such as Lisa Leslie and Rick Barry lending their support.
Its growing popularity and international ambitions, with planned expansions to London and Toronto, could have been an exciting opportunity for Clark.
Yet, she chose to remain loyal to the WNBA, a decision that may have been influenced by her preference for the full-court format over 3-on-3 basketball.
Angel Reese and Clark’s Different Paths
Ice Cube also addressed fans who wondered why he hadn’t made a similar offer to Angel Reese, another rising star.
“Some people were upset that I didn’t make an offer to Angel Reese,” he said on Morning Hustle. “It wasn’t unlocking those dollars like it would have with Caitlin, and that’s just the reality of the business.”
Clark‘s unparalleled popularity is backed by numbers. Her 2023 NCAA Championship run drew nearly 25 million viewers, and her WNBA debut season boosted televised game viewership significantly.
Out of 23 games that surpassed one million viewers during the 2024 season, Clark played in 20 of them.
Her Rookie of the Year campaign cemented her as a household name, while her influence continues to grow on and off the court.
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Reese, meanwhile, is creating her own path. With her debut in the Unrivaled league scheduled for 2025, she remains a prominent figure in women’s sports.
As both players pursue their careers, it’s clear that the opportunities for women athletes are expanding, and their influence is reshaping the landscape of professional sports.
PHOTOS: Everyone Was Saying The Same Thing About The Jaw-Dropping Hockey Fan Who Was Distracting The Crowd At Leafs-Devils Game
Female hockey fan (Photos via @danicoopps/IG)
A photo of a female hockey fan who was busting out of her jeans at a Leafs-Devils game in early 2024 has gone viral online again.
Said supporter was pictured in the stands wearing a Devils Jack Hughes jersey, but that was probably the least interesting thing about her as a lower body part caused her to trend on X.
A new set of photos of her showing her assets off has popped up online ahead of the weekend, with one of the accounts posting asking, “Are you a hockey fan?”
Check it out right below:
