Rachel DeMita Fired from BIG3 After Caitlin Clark Social Media Post Sparks Backlash

Television personality and sideline reporter Rachel DeMita has been let go from the BIG3 basketball league following a social media post about WNBA star Caitlin Clark that reportedly upset league executives.

DeMita, 35, who had worked with Ice Cube’s 3-on-3 professional basketball league for the past year, announced her dismissal in a video posted to X (formerly Twitter). The former NBA 2K TV host said she was “disappointed” but would “take it on the chin.”

The controversy began when DeMita shared a highlight clip of Clark draining a deep three-pointer during a recent Indiana Fever game, captioning it: “for those who questioned the hype…”

According to DeMita, league leadership deemed the post inappropriate and a distraction from her professional duties. In her video, she revealed that BIG3 officials were “dismayed and disappointed” by her decision to highlight Clark, a player who does not compete in their league.

Caitlin Clark and the BIG3: A Complicated History

The situation is further complicated by the BIG3’s previous attempt to recruit Clark earlier this year. The league reportedly offered her a groundbreaking $10 million deal over two seasons to join the men’s-dominated circuit—an unprecedented move that made headlines across the sports world.

Clark ultimately declined, choosing to stay focused on her WNBA career with the Indiana Fever. Despite turning down the offer, Clark remains one of the most polarizing and talked-about athletes in the United States.

BIG3 co-founder Ice Cube acknowledged the league’s interest in Clark during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, calling her potential arrival “a game-changer.”

“We believe her coming into the BIG3 would be such a big deal that all boats would rise,” he said. “There was even talk of a merch partnership and potential team ownership.”

Fallout from Clark’s Controversial Week

Clark has been at the center of controversy in the past week following a heated game between the Fever and the Connecticut Sun.

During the third quarter, Clark was poked in the eye and then shoved to the ground by Sun guard Marina Mabrey in a moment that ignited fierce backlash. Clark was issued a technical foul, while Mabrey was not ejected—prompting outrage among fans and analysts.

The WNBA has since admitted that referees erred in their handling of the incident. Mabrey was retroactively handed a flagrant-2 foul, and both Jacy Sheldon and Fever’s Sophie Cunningham were ejected during a separate altercation later in the game.

DeMita Remains Defiant

DeMita, who is engaged to former NBA player Andre Roberson, has built a significant following through her work as a digital creator, influencer, and sports host. While disappointed by the BIG3’s decision, she remains upbeat.

“I’m proud of the content I create,” she said. “I stand by the respect I have for female athletes. If that cost me a job, so be it.”

Her dismissal has sparked debate online over whether the league overreacted—and whether DeMita was penalized for highlighting a women’s sports figure during a men’s league event.

For now, DeMita says she will continue to support athletes like Clark, regardless of league affiliation.

“Caitlin’s story inspires millions,” she added. “That’s not hype. That’s just truth.”