Jeff Kwatinetz, co-founder of Ice Cube’s Big3 basketball league, recently disclosed some staggering details about a lucrative offer extended to Caitlin Clark, the former Iowa basketball standout.
According to a recent report, Clark was offered a historic $5 million to play just 10 games for the 3-on-3 league, while still maintaining the option to pursue a WNBA career.
In an OutKick article, Kwatinetz expressed his belief that “male agents and executives controlling the sport” might have withheld details of the contract from Clark, potentially costing her significantly in terms of earnings.
He elaborated that the package included a $10 million salary over two years, a percentage of team ownership, half of the merchandise revenue, and a stake in a Big3 documentary with a seven-figure advance, cumulatively amounting to at least $15 million.
RELATED: Ice Cube Continues to Slam NBA Commissioner Adam Silver for Lack of Support for BIG3
On a personal level, we guaranteed Caitlin that Nancy Lieberman, the pioneering women’s basketball great and two-time Hall of Fame player, would be her coach. And financially, compared to her paltry WNBA salary it was a MEGA offer. Ten million dollars of salary over two years, a percentage of team ownership worth millions, fifty percent of merchandising revenues from her name and likeness, and ownership of a BIG3 documentary with a seven-figure advance. In total, we’re talking fifteen million dollars or more to merely play a ten-game season. While still allowing her to play in the WNBA.
Additionally, the deal guaranteed that Clark would be coached by two-time Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman. Kwatinetz questioned why Clark’s representation would pass up such a financially beneficial opportunity, suggesting that her agents might prefer maintaining favorable relations with the NBA rather than prioritizing Clark’s individual interests.
Kwatinetz accused the NBA of attempting to undermine the Big3’s success and implied that there could be repercussions for those who do not align with the NBA’s interests. He argued that the NBA’s stance could potentially stifle the growth of women’s basketball just to counter the Big3’s emergence.
Despite Clark not signing the deal, Kwatinetz remained supportive, drawing a parallel between her joining the Big3 and soccer star Lionel Messi moving to the MLS, suggesting it would significantly boost the league’s profile. He affirmed the Big3’s commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and opportunities for all, regardless of race or gender, and pledged continued support for Clark’s career.
