BIG3 co-founder Ice Cube confirmed a TMZ report that his league offered the NCAA basketball’s all-time scoring leader, Caitlin Clark, a $5 million contract to play ten games—eight regular season and two playoff games. Clark is arguably one of the hottest names in sports. As a black league owner, his offer is a significant power move to include Clark in the BIG3.
Cube posted his response via social media:
“We intended the offer to remain private while Caitlin Clark plays for the championship. But I won’t deny what’s now already out there: BIG3 made a historic offer to Caitlin Clark. Why wouldn’t we? Caitlin is a generational athlete who can achieve tremendous success in the BIG3.
America’s women athletes should not be forced to spend their off seasons playing in often dismal and dubious foreign countries just to make ends meet.
And they should have more than just one professional option in the US at a time when American pro sports leagues are being infiltrated by autocratic, anti-women regimes such as Qatar. Our pathbreaking offer to Caitlin Clark demonstrates that BIG3 now offers another choice for athletes.”
The deal from BIG3 would still allow Clark to play in the WNBA and give her the option to earn more money in his league.
The media mogul and entrepreneur was honored by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame by bestowing the “Ice Cube Impact Award” in his name.
Clark, 22, is the NCAA Division I all-time scoring leader across women’s and men’s programs. She was the AP Player of the Year in 2023, and her Iowa Hawkeyes team made the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship’s Sweet 16. The scoring phenomenon has already cashed in millions on NIL deals and is projected to reap a financial bonanza in endorsements once she concludes amateur basketball.
