Caitlin Clark Scores 'Historic' $5 Million Deal from Ice Cube's Big3 League: 'Generational Athlete'

Mar. 15, 2025

(L-R) Caitlin Clark, Ice Cube.Photo:Rebecca Gratz/NCAA Photos via Getty;Josh Brasted/WireImage

Rebecca Gratz/NCAA Photos via Getty;Josh Brasted/WireImage

College basketball superstarCaitlin Clarkreceived an offer from Ice Cube’s Big3 League worth a whopping $5 million, according to multiple outlets.

According toESPNandBleacher Report, the deal would pay Clark — who already committed to the WNBA draft — $5 million for the season.

Sources close to the league tell PEOPLE that the “opportunity would be worth millions.”

The Big3 confirmed to PEOPLE that Clark’s contract wouldn’t interfere with her playing in the WNBA next season. Representatives for the WNBA did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request to confirm that eligibility.

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates after breaking the NCAA women’s all-time scoring record during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on February 15, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa.Matthew Holst/Getty

Matthew Holst/Getty

In aposton X, Ice Cube confirmed there was an offer extended and said the Big3 “intended” for it to “remain private” until Clark finishes playing in the NCAA March Madness tournament.

“But I won’t deny what’s already out there,” Ice Cube said. “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.”

Ice Cube’s statement continued, “The skeptics laughed when we made Nancy Lieberman the first female coach of a men’s pro team, and she won the championship in her first year. Then Lisa Leslie won it all in year two. With our offer, Caitlin Clark can make history and break down even more barriers for women athletes.”

The actor and rapper noted that many WNBA players use the offseason to play overseas for additional income. “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,” he said in the statement.

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Clark, theall-time leading scorerin college basketball, is expected to be the first overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft on April 15 in Brooklyn, New York.

Caitlin Clark.David Berding/Getty

David Berding/Getty

In a statement on X announcing her decision to go pro, Clark wrote, “While this season is far from over and we have a lot more goals to achieve, it will be my last one at Iowa. I am excited to be entering the 2024 WNBA Draft.”

“It is impossible to fully express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me during my time at Iowa — my teammates, who made the last four years the best; my coaches, trainers, and staff who always let me be me. Hawkeyes fans who filled Carver every night; and everyone who came out to support us across the country, especially the young kids.”

source: people.com