Caitlin Clark was offered $15 million to play in the men’s basketball league ‘Big 3’ instead of declaring for the WNBA Draft, but the Iowa star turned down the proposal
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – AUGUST 12: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever reacts against the Dallas Wings during the fourth quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 12, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Caitlin Clark climbed from modest roots to become a college basketball phenom and then emerged as one of the premier stars of women’s professional basketball. A Tuesday night report revealed her readiness to prioritize lasting impact over immediate financial gain.
Just two days after scoring 32 points to guide Iowa past West Virginia in the NCAA tournament’s second round during her final collegiate season, Clark received a massive monetary proposition. Ice Cube’s Big 3 league, featuring a blend of former NBA players and college stars, allegedly approached her with an opening $5 million offer to compete in 10 games against male players rather than entering the WNBA Draft.
However, according to radio host Tattoo on the TFU Podcast, that represented merely the starting bid. “It started at five, but the official final offer was $15 million for 10 weeks. 10 weeks,” he revealed.
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“She must be making some good dough (to turn it down). And I just think that it was more of a league thing. She had to give the WNBA priority. If anything, you got a name like Ice Cube offering you 15 million publicly, man, you got all that. That’s all you need.”
Clark rejected the proposal without pause, choosing instead to join the Indiana Fever and instantly becoming the WNBA’s focal point.
While the choice may have cost her millions initially, it has already elevated her into a worldwide brand. Within a few months, she had one of the most impressive rookie seasons in league history, bagged Rookie of the Year honors, and signed an eight-year, $28 million endorsement deal with Nike.
She also inked a multi-year partnership with Wilson and added Gatorade, State Farm, Xfinity, Gainbridge, and Panini to her portfolio, amassing enough endorsements to make her one of the most marketable athletes globally.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – AUGUST 26: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever reacts on the bench in the second quarter against the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 26, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
However, her actual on-court salary underscores the gap between her influence and her earnings.
Clark is tied into a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $338,056. To put it in perspective, by 2025, she will rank as only the 94th-highest paid player in the league.
Her Fever teammate Kelsey Mitchell, currently in the running for MVP while leading the team in Clark’s absence due to injury, is the WNBA’s highest-paid player this season at $249,244.
This pay disparity is at the heart of the ongoing CBA dispute between the league and the players.
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As the WNBA expands to new cities and TV contracts skyrocket, players are advocating for increased revenue sharing, improved accommodations, and larger slices of broadcast and sponsorship deals.
The latest updates indicate that the league and players’ association are far from reaching an agreement by the Oct. 31 deadline. The WNBA risks a league-wide work-stoppage for the first time in its existence.
The Big 3 eventually kicked off its season on June 15, months after failing to attract Clark.
Rather than promoting one of basketball’s shining stars, the league highlighted its 4-point shot, showcased Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown in the All-Star Game, and had Ice Cube accept the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield.