Caitlin Clark, the standout of Iowa’s women’s basketball team, has received a significant offer to play professional basketball upon completing her college career this season.
TMZ broke the news on Wednesday morning, reporting that Clark has been offered a seven-figure deal by Ice Cube to join his Big3 League, known for its 3-on-3 basketball games. The report detailed the unprecedented offer:
“Caitlin Clark is poised to make history as basketball’s first-ever $5 million woman, with a massive deal on the table from Ice Cube’s Big3 league … TMZ Sports has learned.
“Sources familiar with the offer reveal that the up-and-coming basketball league has extended the groundbreaking offer to Caitlin — $5 million to participate in 8 regular season games and potentially 2 playoff games! That’s right … 10 games for $5 million, guaranteed.”
Ice Cube himself confirmed the offer, though he expressed a desire to keep it private until after Clark completes her college season. He tweeted shortly after the TMZ report:
RELATED: Hawks Announcer Rips Caitlin Clark While Commenting on Jayson Tatum
“We intended the offer to remain private while Caitlin Clark plays for the championship. But I won’t deny what’s now already out there: BIG3 made a historic offer to Caitlin Clark. Why wouldn’t we? Caitlin is a generational athlete who can achieve tremendous success in the BIG3,” said Ice Cube.
The offer is now official.
According to On3’s NIL valuation, Clark is already valued at $3.1 million as a college athlete. Ice Cube’s offer would nearly double that figure should she choose to accept it.
Additionally, the Big3 league reportedly promises “substantial additional compensation” through endorsements and merchandise, ensuring that Clark’s NIL earnings wouldn’t be affected.
One crucial aspect mentioned in the TMZ report is that the commitment to the Big3 consists of only 10 total games at most, allowing Clark the flexibility to also play in the WNBA.
While the WNBA may have concerns about Clark participating in 10 Big3 games during their season, her immense value to the league could force them to accommodate her desires. After all, not having such a marketable and talented player like Clark in the league could be a significant loss for them.
Clark’s unique value to sports leagues like the WNBA may allow her to negotiate deals allowing her to compete in both leagues simultaneously. The financial disparity between the two options is substantial, with the Big3 offering Clark potential earnings far exceeding what she could make in the WNBA, even as a top draft pick.
As Iowa’s NCAA Tournament journey comes to an end, Clark will face important business decisions regarding her future in professional basketball.
