No $5 Million for Angel Reese as Ice Cube Recalls Picking Caitlin Clark Over Her Rival as a Profitable Decision.

No $5 Million for Angel Reese as Ice Cube Recalls Picking Caitlin Clark Over Her Rival as a Profitable Decision.

 

In a recent revelation that has sparked debate across sports and entertainment circles, rapper-turned-entrepreneur Ice Cube opened up about his decision to offer a historic $5 million contract to WNBA star Caitlin Clark—and not her rival, Angel Reese. The BIG3 basketball league founder stood by his choice, calling it a “profitable decision,” as public attention continues to follow the evolving narratives of two of women’s basketball’s brightest young stars.

Earlier this year, Ice Cube and the BIG3 league made headlines when reports emerged that Caitlin Clark had been offered $5 million to join the 3-on-3 professional league—marking what would have been the largest contract ever proposed to a female basketball player outside the WNBA. Though Clark ultimately turned down the offer to focus on her WNBA career with the Indiana Fever, the move was widely seen as a game-changing gesture for women’s sports.

Now, Cube is shedding more light on the decision-making process behind that offer. In a recent interview, he admitted that while both Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese were on the radar, it was Clark’s unique blend of skill, popularity, and brand appeal that tipped the scales.

“We did our homework,” Ice Cube said. “Caitlin was bringing in record-breaking ratings, dominating college basketball headlines, and had the kind of crossover appeal that aligns with what BIG3 is building. From a business standpoint, it made sense.”

The decision not to extend a similar offer to Angel Reese—Clark’s college rival turned WNBA peer—has fueled debate online. Many fans argue that Reese, who played a crucial role in LSU’s 2023 national championship and remains one of the most charismatic figures in women’s hoops, deserved equal consideration.

However, Ice Cube insists the choice wasn’t personal. “Angel is a star in her own right,” he said. “But we were making a strategic business move. It’s about return on investment. Caitlin had the momentum, the numbers, and the audience. That’s what drives a league like BIG3.”

Reese, now with the Chicago Sky, hasn’t publicly commented on Cube’s remarks. However, she’s previously expressed confidence in her own marketability and trajectory. “I’m not worried about what anyone else is getting,” Reese told reporters earlier this season. “I know my value.”

Industry analysts note that while Cube’s offer to Clark didn’t materialize into a deal, the publicity surrounding it helped raise the profile of the BIG3 league and injected a new level of urgency into discussions around pay equity and opportunity in women’s sports.

As for Clark, her rookie season in the WNBA has lived up to the hype, with high TV ratings, sold-out arenas, and surging merchandise sales. Meanwhile, Reese continues to grow her fanbase with strong performances and a social media presence that rivals many top athletes.

The Ice Cube-Clark-Reese saga is more than just a story about money—it’s a window into the evolving economics of women’s sports and the tough decisions behind big-dollar opportunities.