Ice Cube addressed the controversy surrounding the BIG3 league’s $5 million contract offer, confirming that it was exclusively presented to Caitlin Clark and not extended to Angel Reese. Speaking to TMZ Sports at LAX, Cube acknowledged the economic reasoning behind this decision and made it clear that despite respecting Reese, no similar financial proposals are forthcoming.
Role of Sponsorship in High-Value Deals
The sizable $5 million offer was made to Caitlin Clark during her collegiate career at Iowa, enticing her with a limited eight regular-season game commitment, plus potentially two playoff appearances. Clark declined this offer and ultimately signed with the Indiana Fever of the WNBA. When asked about extending the deal to Angel Reese, Cube was straightforward:
“They didn’t tell us the same thing about Angel Reese.”
—Ice Cube, BIG3 Founder
This difference in financial backing came down to sponsor interest, which heavily influenced the league’s investment choices. Cube explained that since sponsors projected much stronger returns from Clark, the league had no incentive to present a similar offer to Reese.
Impact on BIG3 and Player Recruitment
Although the BIG3 missed signing Clark and, consequently, discounted similar offers to Reese, Cube remains positive about the league’s current position. Highlighting the presence of established players such as Lance Stephenson, Dwight Howard, Wesley Johnson, and Montrezl Harrell, he said the league continues to capture attention:
“The league has been must-see TV for sure.”
—Ice Cube, BIG3 Founder
This statement underscores the BIG3’s confidence in its roster despite the absence of headline-making contracts like the one extended to Clark. The league’s focus remains on sustaining its current momentum while remaining open to future opportunities, even if they do not mirror the high-profile $5 million offer.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Caitlin Clark with Taylor Swift at the Chiefs game?
A. Caitlin Clark shared what she and Taylor Swift were quietly discussing at the Kansas City Chiefs game they both went to in January.
Q. Why did Taylor Swift invite Caitlin Clark to the game?
A. Clark was at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for two shows, where she met Chiefs tight end Kelce and his mom, Donna Kelce. Swift found out that Clark was a fan through Kelce and gifted her several bags of Eras Tour merchandise, as reported by Time. Swift also wrote Clark a letter, inviting her to attend a Chiefs game.
Q. What is Caitlin Clark’s relationship with Taylor Swift?
A. The young 23-year-old really likes Taylor Swift’s music. In November, they went to see her Eras Tour show in Indianapolis. Earlier this year, they were seen together at a Kansas City Chiefs game, where they hugged in front of others. Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce, plays as a tight end for the Chiefs.