Caitlin Clark Scores ‘Historic’ $5 Million Deal from Ice Cube’s Big3 League: ‘Generational Athlete’

The Iowa Hawkeyes star is expected to be the first overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft on April 15

Ice Cube’s Big3 League made an offer “worth millions” to college basketball star Caitlin Clark
Clark would play eight regular season games and two playoff games if she accepts the offer

Ice Cube called Clark “a generational athlete” in a post on X confirming the offer was extended

College basketball superstar Caitlin Clark received an offer from Ice Cube’s Big3 League worth a whopping $5 million, according to multiple outlets.

The Big3 confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE that Clark, 22, was offered a contract for eight regular season games and two playoff games (should her team qualify). Founded in 2017 by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz, the Big3 League consists of 12 teams who play in a three-on-three format.

According to ESPN and Bleacher Report, the deal would pay Clark — who already committed to the WNBA draft — $5 million for the season.

Sources close to the league tell PEOPLE that the “opportunity would be worth millions.”

The Big3 confirmed to PEOPLE that Clark’s contract wouldn’t interfere with her playing in the WNBA next season. Representatives for the WNBA did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request to confirm that eligibility.

In a post on X, Ice Cube confirmed there was an offer extended and said the Big3 “intended” for it to “remain private” until Clark finishes playing in the NCAA March Madness tournament.

“But I won’t deny what’s already out there,” Ice Cube said. “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.”

Ice Cube’s statement continued, “The skeptics laughed when we made Nancy Lieberman the first female coach of a men’s pro team, and she won the championship in her first year. Then Lisa Leslie won it all in year two. With our offer, Caitlin Clark can make history and break down even more barriers for women athletes.”

The actor and rapper noted that many WNBA players use the offseason to play overseas for additional income. “America’s women athletes should not be forced to spend their off seasons playing in often dismal and dubious foreign countries just to make ends meet,” he said in the statement.

“And they should have more than just one professional option in the US at a time when American pro sports leagues are being infiltrated by autocratic, anti-women regimes such as Qatar. Our pathbreaking offer to Caitlin Clark demonstrates that BIG3 now offers another choice for athletes.”

Clark, the all-time leading scorer in college basketball, is expected to be the first overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft on April 15 in Brooklyn, New York.

Caitlin Clark.David Berding/Getty

In a statement on X announcing her decision to go pro, Clark wrote, “While this season is far from over and we have a lot more goals to achieve, it will be my last one at Iowa. I am excited to be entering the 2024 WNBA Draft.”

“It is impossible to fully express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me during my time at Iowa — my teammates, who made the last four years the best; my coaches, trainers, and staff who always let me be me. Hawkeyes fans who filled Carver every night; and everyone who came out to support us across the country, especially the young kids.”

Concluding her statement, Clark thanked her family for their unwavering support. “Most importantly, none of this would have been possible without my family and friends who have been by my side through it all. Because of you, my dreams came true.”