For the past few weeks, much attention has been focused on the Big 3, Ice Cube, and Caitlin Clark. Despite the tempting offer extended to her by the rapper, the NCAA’s highest scorer has ultimately turned it down. Declining $15 million for just two seasons in the 3×3 league appeared too impractical, even for Kelsey Plum, a two-time WNBA champion, who suggested Clark consider seizing the opportunity. Nonetheless, it seems Clark has her sights set on grander aspirations.

Nevertheless, this doesn’t imply that other notable figures such as Rachel DeMita are unable to analyze her decision. On her podcast Courtside Club, the former NBA 2k host delved into why the top overall draft pick might have rejected Ice Cube’s proposition, citing her dedication to the WNBA and her fan base.

Suggesting that playing in the Big3 as a WNBA rookie may be a little overwhelming for her, DeMita said, “I feel like maybe at this point and time in her career, playing in the WNBA while simultaneously playing in another league with different rules and a different travel schedule. Maybe at this point in her career is just a little bit too much to handle.”


Other than this, Clark’s recent Nike deal too, is less than what Big3 would be paying her. The deal with the sports athleisure giant will bring $28 million for 8 years. She will also get a signature shoe with Nike according to the contract. When it comes to annual checks, it drops down to just $3.5M per year.


Nevertheless, if the Indiana Fever’s transitional talent had accepted all these offers, she would be standing atop a rough sum of $45 million by the next 8 years. And this is solely speaking from these three offers. While the entire Big3 league acquiesced with Clark’s decision despite the outcome, they do have some strong words for the “real” decision-makers.

Big3 is clearly not the right fit for Caitlin Clark this year. But she may give it a try next year once she cements her name in the WNBA. Maybe this is how the Big3 finally brings in more female hoopers, like Hailey Van Lith, who will join the WNBA next year, with an intent to play 3×3. While they do claim to add Clark for “driving the breakdown of further stereotypes and promoting diversity,” seems like the conversation has ended for Indy’s new star.