The “Caitlin Clark effect” — a phenomenon that swept through the WNBA during Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark’s rookie season — was marked by a time when Clark’s presence alone boosted viewership and ticket sales and brought an undeniable buzz to women’s basketball.

In her debut season with the Indiana Fever, Clark led all rookies in points (769) and assists (337), and even set the record for most turnovers (223). Her impact was massive, both on the court and in business. She became a marketing powerhouse, reportedly pulling in an eye-watering estimated $11 million through endorsements alone, partnering with major brands like Nike, Gatorade, State Farm, and Wilson.

But there was quite some noise about Clark last year for an entirely different reason.

Ice Cube Wasn’t Given the Chance To Talk to Caitlin Clark

The Fever star had turned down Ice Cube’s hefty offer to join his “Big 3” league. Putting to rest all speculations regarding the issue, Ice Cube has finally opened up about why Clark decided to stay away, despite a jaw-dropping $10 million offer.

In a recent appearance on the “Run It Back TV” podcast on FanDuel, Ice Cube addressed the long-standing mystery surrounding his headline-making offer to Clark.

Last year, before Clark entered the WNBA, Ice Cube had extended her a $10 million deal to join the Big 3 — his 3-on-3 basketball league co-founded with entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. The league, which features 12 teams of former NBA and international players, has carved out a unique niche in the basketball world.

However, he revealed that Clark’s real reason for never seriously considering the offer wasn’t her disinterest but rather her agents’.

“Yeah, it was a real offer. You know, we paid to fulfill the offer. We just wanted to have a conversation with her and her family about it. That didn’t happen. I think the agents kept us away. And you know, we moved on and you know she’s doing great in the WNBA and we wish her well,” he said during the interview.

Whether or not it was the right decision, the move set the stage for what turned out to be an extraordinary rookie year for Clark in the WNBA. Her success, visibility, and the lucrative brand deals she landed might not have materialized had she chosen a lesser-watched platform like the Big 3.

The WNBA offered her high-level competition and massive exposure that brands and media outlets couldn’t ignore. Still, this wasn’t the first league offer Clark turned down. Last year, she declined a $1 million proposal from the Unrivaled league, choosing instead to take time for herself.

“I didn’t rule out doing it in the future, but this year is just not the best for me. It’s going to be good for me to do my own thing and have my own space. I kind of want to just stay out of the spotlight,” Clark told TIME Magazine.

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Now sidelined with a left quadriceps strain, Clark has had a challenging start to her sophomore WNBA season, averaging 19.0 points, 9.3 assists, and six rebounds across four games.

As fans eagerly await her return, this newly surfaced story with Ice Cube has only reignited the conversation about Clark’s choices, power, and the calculated business of basketball stardom.