Confirming reports from earlier that day, media mogul and former rap artist O’Shea Jackson Sr. (better known by his stage name “Ice Cube”) reveals that he offered women’s basketball sensation Caitlin Clark what could be a revolutionary $5 million offer to play in the BIG3 basketball league.
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. https://t.co/cwzHh7EVau— Ice Cube (@icecube) March 27, 2024
Caitlin Clark Receives $5 Million Offer to Play in BIG3
Jackson’s offer was met with skepticism and ridicule.
Most believe Jackson’s offer to be a disingenuous money grab. More to the point, they don’t believe Jackson cares about empowering women’s basketball players. As Jackson openly expressed support for same-sex marriage in 2012 and hired Hall of Fame guard Nancy Lieberman in 2018, that seems outside of his character. Nonetheless, Clark is the first women’s basketball player that he’s known to have offered to play in exhibitions.
This is likely due to Clark’s prominence in the sports world. She’s perhaps the most popular women’s basketball player in either the NCAA or the WNBA. Compared to two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry, Clark is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
From a business standpoint, it makes all too much sense for Jackson to make the offer. Accepting a $5 million offer also makes sense for Clark. The highest-paid WNBA players make under $250,000 annually.
However, the BIG3 regular season takes place from June to August. As a result, it’s likely to infringe upon her WNBA schedule, which will span from May to September. Logistically, Clark would have more obstacles to hurdle than the average W player. That’s assuming that neither the BIG3 nor the WNBA would make her choose between the two.
Caitlin Clark’s Response
Clark, averaging 31.8 points, 8.8 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game this season, hasn’t addressed the situation publicly. It would seem that she hasn’t officially declined the offer. Nonetheless, the home state hero is trying to lead Iowa to their first-ever title after losing to LSU in the 2023 National Championship Game. That being said, her focus may simply be elsewhere right now.
A four-time AP All-American, Clark is the NCAA’s all-time leader in points (3,830), second in 3s (528), and third in assists (1,105).
BIG3 Primer
Founded by Jackson and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz in 2017, the league was originally set up as an alternative for retired or unemployed professional basketball players. Since 2018, Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Clyde Drexler has been the league’s Commissioner. Last season, Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown became the first active NBA player to suit up for the BIG3, playing in the BIG3 All-Star Game.
Last November, the Basketball Hall of Fame partnered with Jackson to create the Ice Cube Impact Award. In January, he won the inaugural Impact Award.
