Ice Cube and the BIG3 League’s Stance on Angel Reese: Why a Caitlin Clark-Style Offer Isn’t Coming Soon

The BIG3 basketball league, co-founded by rapper and actor Ice Cube, has rapidly gained traction as a premier three-on-three basketball competition featuring a blend of retired NBA stars and fresh talent. The league’s rising popularity was punctuated last year by a headline-grabbing moment when Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark received a staggering $5 million offer to join the BIG3—an offer that shook the sports world and sparked conversations about the evolving landscape of women’s basketball and crossover opportunities.

However, despite Clark’s high-profile connection to the BIG3, the league’s plans do not currently include making a similar offer to Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, another standout WNBA star who has been making waves with her dominant play and magnetic personality. According to recent reports from TMZ Sports, Ice Cube himself has indicated that Reese is not likely to receive an offer comparable to Clark’s anytime soon. This news has surprised and disappointed some fans but reflects the complex considerations behind BIG3’s recruitment strategies and sponsorship appeal.

BIG3’s Growing Popularity and Caitlin Clark’s Historic Offer

The BIG3 league has successfully carved out a niche in the basketball world by combining entertainment, high-level competition, and celebrity appeal. Founded in 2017, the league initially attracted many former NBA players looking for a competitive yet entertaining format outside the traditional 5-on-5 game. Over the years, BIG3 has expanded its fan base and media presence, with games televised nationally and featuring well-known personalities in basketball and entertainment.

The offer to Caitlin Clark ahead of the 2024 WNBA Draft marked a significant moment for the league. Clark, a former Iowa standout and now a star for the Indiana Fever, represents a new generation of basketball talent with immense scoring ability, skill, and charisma. The reported $5 million contract offer from the BIG3 was groundbreaking, not only in the amount but also in the statement it made about the value of women’s basketball and the league’s ambition to attract top talent, regardless of gender.

Clark ultimately declined the offer, choosing to continue her career in the WNBA and pursue her growth within the league. Her decision was respected widely, as it underscored the increasing legitimacy and career opportunities in the women’s professional game. Still, the BIG3’s pursuit of Clark highlighted the potential for crossover between women’s basketball and alternative professional leagues.

Angel Reese’s Position: Why No BIG3 Offer Yet

Despite Angel Reese’s rising stardom with the Chicago Sky, Ice Cube made it clear that a similar multi-million dollar offer will not be forthcoming for Reese in the near future. TMZ Sports recently caught up with Ice Cube at Los Angeles International Airport, where he addressed the question directly. According to Ice Cube, the decision comes down largely to financial and sponsorship considerations.

Ice Cube explained that while Angel Reese is a great player and well-regarded in the league, the BIG3’s sponsors and financial backers were very vocal about the potential revenue boost Caitlin Clark’s involvement would bring. “They didn’t tell us the same thing about Angel Reese,” Cube noted. This statement suggests that the commercial appeal and marketing power of a player like Clark played a decisive role in shaping BIG3’s recruitment offers.

This admission underscores the broader realities of professional sports, where sponsorship, audience engagement, and brand marketability often heavily influence contract offers and league strategies. Ice Cube’s candid remarks highlight the challenges women athletes face in breaking into alternative markets like the BIG3, where business considerations are as influential as athletic talent.

The Significance of Sponsorship in BIG3’s Strategy

The BIG3 league, like any professional sports organization, depends on a complex network of sponsorship deals to sustain and grow its operations. Sponsors not only provide crucial financial support but also help shape the league’s public image and outreach. Their preferences can influence which players the league targets for recruitment.

Caitlin Clark’s high profile, driven by her electrifying playstyle, social media presence, and widespread fan base, made her an attractive candidate to BIG3 sponsors who foresaw significant returns on their investment. This perception helped justify the unprecedented $5 million offer.

In contrast, while Angel Reese is undoubtedly a talented and dynamic player, the league’s sponsors reportedly did not see the same commercial upside in recruiting her at this time. This difference in sponsor enthusiasm reflects how athlete marketability extends beyond just performance metrics—factors such as media appeal, fan engagement, and personal branding play critical roles.

What Would Caitlin Clark’s BIG3 Contract Have Looked Like?

Had Caitlin Clark accepted the BIG3’s offer, the terms reportedly would have been quite lucrative. Clark would have been contracted to play a limited number of games—just eight regular-season contests and potentially two playoff games—to earn the full $5 million sum.

This structure was appealing in its efficiency, allowing Clark to capitalize financially while maintaining flexibility with her playing schedule. It also illustrated the BIG3’s willingness to invest heavily in marquee names to elevate the league’s profile.

Clark’s decision to decline this offer meant the BIG3 missed out on a chance to showcase a high-profile female athlete in its roster, but it also reaffirmed the WNBA’s importance as the premier home for top women’s basketball talent.

Ice Cube’s Reflections on the BIG3 Roster and Future

Despite Clark’s decision, Ice Cube expressed optimism about the talent and entertainment value currently within the BIG3 league. He praised the players who had joined, highlighting names like Lance Stephenson, Dwight Howard, Wesley Johnson, and Montrezl Harrell—each bringing a unique style and fan following to the league.

Ice Cube emphasized that the BIG3 has become “must-see TV,” blending competitive basketball with an entertainment spectacle that appeals to a wide audience. His positive outlook suggests the league will continue to explore opportunities to attract diverse talent but will remain guided by the practicalities of sponsorship and market demand.

The Future for Angel Reese: Potential BIG3 Opportunities?

While Ice Cube’s comments make it clear that Angel Reese is not currently on the verge of a BIG3 contract, the door may not be entirely closed. Reese’s continued growth as a player and rising prominence could eventually shift sponsor perceptions, especially if she amplifies her personal brand and media presence.

Additionally, the sports landscape is evolving rapidly, with more leagues and platforms seeking to highlight women’s sports and promote gender equity. Should the BIG3 or other leagues move to prioritize inclusivity or find innovative marketing strategies, players like Reese could see new opportunities arise.

For now, though, Reese remains focused on her WNBA career with the Chicago Sky, where she continues to make a significant impact on the court. The BIG3 offer saga serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between talent, business, and opportunity in professional sports.

Conclusion

The BIG3’s multi-million dollar offer to Caitlin Clark was a watershed moment for women’s basketball, signaling new possibilities for crossover between leagues and genders. However, Ice Cube’s recent remarks make it clear that such offers are not guaranteed and depend heavily on financial backing and sponsor enthusiasm.

Angel Reese, despite her talents and potential, has yet to receive a comparable offer, reflecting the current market realities and the nuanced demands of professional sports business. As the BIG3 league continues to grow, and as athletes like Reese and Clark evolve, the dynamics of such offers may change, opening new doors for women basketball stars in alternative leagues.

In the meantime, Reese’s focus remains on excelling in the WNBA and continuing to build her legacy. Her journey highlights both the promise and the challenges female athletes face in expanding their opportunities beyond traditional leagues.