The world of basketball is buzzing with controversy as Ice Cube, co-founder of the BIG3 league, makes a bold statement about WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. His comments reveal a stark contrast in how the two athletes are perceived in the sports market, sparking debates about value, influence, and opportunity in professional basketball.

Summary

• Ice Cube offered Caitlin Clark a $15 million deal to join BIG3, which she declined.
• Angel Reese was not extended a similar offer due to perceived lower financial impact.
• Clark’s marketability is seen as transformative for BIG3, unlike Reese’s.
• Reese has secured other ventures, including Unrivaled and NBA 2K26.
• The decision highlights ongoing discussions about star power in women’s basketball.

The BIG3’s Big Offer

In a move that sent shockwaves through the sports world, Ice Cube and his BIG3 co-founder Jeff Kwatinetz offered WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark a staggering $15 million to join their 3-on-3 basketball league. The deal, which included $10 million in salary over two years, team ownership stakes, merchandising revenues, and a documentary advance, aimed to make Clark the first woman in a North American men’s professional basketball league, according to Bleacher Report. However, Clark, the Indiana Fever star, declined the offer, choosing to focus on her WNBA career and lucrative endorsements, which Sportico estimates at $11 million.

Reese Left Out

When asked by TMZ Sports if a similar offer was extended to Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, Ice Cube was blunt: “They didn’t tell us the same thing about Angel Reese. I don’t know if we can make that same offer.” He clarified that the snub wasn’t personal but driven by corporate sponsors who believed Clark’s stardom would unlock millions for the league, a financial boost they didn’t project for Reese. This stark contrast underscores Clark’s unparalleled marketability, credited with boosting WNBA viewership and attendance to record levels.

Marketability Matters

Clark’s impact on the WNBA is undeniable. The former Iowa star, now in her second year, has driven attendance surges, with Indiana averaging 17,036 fans at home and over 15,000 on the road, per Daily Mail. Her games have set viewership records across six WNBA broadcast partners, cementing her as a transformative figure. “Caitlin Clark is the poster child of the WNBA,” said Charly Arnolt, co-host of the Members Club podcast, emphasizing her draw. Meanwhile, Reese, despite her own accolades, including a WNBA record for 15+ rebounds in five straight games, was seen as less impactful by BIG3’s sponsors.

Reese’s Path Forward

Angel Reese isn’t struggling for opportunities. The “Bayou Barbie” has secured a six-figure deal with Unrivaled, a women’s 3-on-3 league founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, and a $50,000 bonus for her team’s championship win. She also landed a signature shoe with Reebok and a cover spot on NBA 2K26, achievements that highlight her marketability, even if it didn’t sway BIG3’s backers. “Being on the cover of NBA 2K26… is a statement,” Reese told 2K, emphasizing representation.

A Broader Conversation

Ice Cube’s comments have reignited discussions about value in women’s basketball, particularly around Clark and Reese’s rivalry, which began in college during LSU’s 2023 NCAA Championship win over Iowa. While both players have driven WNBA growth, Clark’s commercial dominance is clear. “It’s not anti-Angel Reese to acknowledge she’s changing the entire league economy,” said Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd, likening Clark to Tiger Woods. This disparity in perceived value raises questions about how athletes are evaluated—not just for skill but for their ability to draw dollars.

Looking Ahead

As the WNBA continues to grow, Clark and Reese remain at the forefront, their rivalry fueling both competition and conversation. Ice Cube, meanwhile, is optimistic about BIG3’s future, boasting about players like Dwight Howard and Montrezl Harrell. “The league has been must-see TV,” he told TMZ Sports. For conservatives, Clark’s story resonates as a testament to individual excellence driving market success, while Reese’s exclusion from the BIG3 offer highlights the tough realities of business in sports.