Ice Cube’s BIG3 basketball league has extended a groundbreaking contract offer worth $5 million to Iowa’s standout player, Caitlin Clark, inviting her to join their 3-on-3 league. The deal, reported by TMZ, encompasses 10 games and promises additional earnings from endorsements and merchandise.
This offer significantly surpasses typical WNBA salaries, highlighting BIG3’s commitment to elevating women athletes. While initially aiming to keep the offer private until after Clark’s championship run, Ice Cube couldn’t ignore the buzz surrounding the historic proposal.
Recognizing Clark’s potential as a generational athlete, Ice Cube envisions her making waves in the BIG3, following in the footsteps of trailblazers like Nancy Lieberman and Lisa Leslie.
Ice Cube also emphasizes the broader implications of Clark potentially becoming the highest-paid women’s basketball player, suggesting that the BIG3 could offer an alternative to WNBA players seeking opportunities abroad during the offseason.
He argues against the necessity for women athletes to endure challenging circumstances overseas and advocates for more professional options within the United States, particularly in light of recent incidents like Brittney Griner’s ordeal in Russia.
With Clark’s current focus on the Sweet 16 with the Iowa Hawkeyes, her decision regarding the BIG3 offer may take time. While projected to be the top pick in the upcoming WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever, Clark’s willingness to embrace challenges and break barriers suggests that a future in the BIG3 could be within reach.