Ice Cube Explains Why Caitlin Clark Got a $5 Million Big3 Offer — But Angel Reese Didn’t

In 2024, Caitlin Clark made headlines when she turned down a historic $5 million offer from the Big3 basketball league — an offer that would’ve made her the first woman to ever play in the male-dominated, 3-on-3 competition founded by rapper and entrepreneur Ice Cube. But while fans continue to praise Clark for her decision to pursue the WNBA, many have wondered why a similar deal wasn’t offered to another breakout star: Angel Reese.

TMZ recently caught up with Ice Cube to ask the question directly — and his response has sparked new debate in the sports world.

Why Clark Got the Offer

According to Ice Cube, the $5 million offer wasn’t just about talent — it was about business. He revealed that corporate sponsors were eager to throw major support behind the Big3 if Caitlin Clark joined the league. In short, her presence was seen as a game-changer for visibility, revenue, and mainstream appeal.

“They didn’t tell us the same thing about Angel Reese,” Ice Cube explained. “I don’t think we can make that same offer because it won’t have the same impact to the league.”

The message was clear: while both players are popular, Clark’s influence on the business side — particularly with sponsors — was seen as more valuable to the Big3 at the time.

Turning Down Millions

While $5 million might seem impossible to turn down — especially when WNBA rookie salaries start at around $76,000 — Clark isn’t hurting for income. According to Sportico, just 1% of her earnings in 2024 came from her WNBA salary. The other 99%? Endorsements.

Clark pulled in approximately $11 million in sponsorships alone last year, working with major brands like Nike, Gatorade, and State Farm. For her, the decision to stick with the WNBA was more about passion and long-term career goals than short-term money.

What About Angel Reese?

Angel Reese, meanwhile, has built an impressive brand of her own. Though she didn’t get a Big3 offer, she has found her lane — and is thriving.

Reese joined Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 women’s league created by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. Not only did she earn a six-figure contract from the league, but her team also won the championship, earning her an additional $50,000 in prize money.

Beyond the court, Reese is making major waves. In July, she was announced as a cover model for NBA 2K26 and became the face of her own signature Reebok shoe — a rare milestone for any athlete, especially so early in a pro career.

So while Ice Cube and his sponsors may not have seen the same “impact potential” in Reese for the Big3, advertisers and fans clearly do. She continues to rise as one of the most influential and marketable names in women’s basketball.

A Tale of Two Stars

The comparison between Clark and Reese is natural — they were college rivals, drafted in the same year, and have both played massive roles in expanding the popularity of women’s hoops.

But their business paths reflect different strengths: Clark has become the mainstream, all-American superstar, while Reese thrives as a bold, unapologetic cultural icon with her own loyal fanbase.

Both are redefining what it means to be a professional female athlete in 2025 — just in different ways.

Final Thoughts

Ice Cube’s explanation may not sit well with everyone, but it reflects the real-world influence of commercial interests in sports. While Caitlin Clark brought sponsors to the table that made a $5 million offer possible, Angel Reese is finding success in her own ventures, without needing the Big3.

In the end, both athletes are winning — just on their own terms.