As speculation grows around Angel Reese potentially receiving a blockbuster offer from the BIG3 basketball league, Ice Cube has poured cold water on the idea—at least for now.
Speaking to reporters at LAX this week, the rapper-turned-league founder confirmed there are no immediate plans to extend a proposal to the Chicago Sky forward. His reasoning? Economics.
“It’s nothing personal against Angel,” Cube said. “She’s a star, no doubt. But the numbers don’t work.”
He explained that sponsors viewed Caitlin Clark, who declined the league’s reported $5 million offer earlier this year, as a guaranteed draw. Reese, while immensely popular, hasn’t received the same financial backing from BIG3’s partners.
“None of them told us that bringing in Angel would create that kind of return,” Cube continued. “So I don’t know if we can offer the same deal.”
The comments reflect the league’s cautious approach when it comes to investing in talent outside its typical roster of retired NBA players. Though Reese has become one of the WNBA’s most recognizable figures in her rookie season, the league’s current strategy relies heavily on sponsor projections and long-term financial planning.
Despite missing out on both Clark and Reese, Cube remains optimistic about the BIG3’s ongoing season. “We’ve got some great players,” he said. “Lance Stephenson’s electric. Dwight Howard’s drawing big crowds. Montrezl Harrell and Wesley Johnson have been great.”
Now in its eighth year, the BIG3 has found a steady rhythm by combining former NBA talent with a fast-paced, half-court format that appeals to basketball traditionalists and casual fans alike.
Founded in 2017, the BIG3 has slowly evolved into a summertime staple, known as much for its hip-hop flair as its on-court competition. Cube has previously voiced interest in expanding the league’s appeal by welcoming women into the fold, a vision that briefly came to life during negotiations with Clark. Although that deal fell through, it sparked broader discussions about gender equity in professional basketball and the commercial potential of women’s athletes.
Reese, who continues to dominate headlines and drive fan engagement in the WNBA, remains a high-profile figure in the sport’s broader cultural landscape. Whether she eventually joins the BIG3 or not, her influence stretches well beyond the hardwood.
For now, Cube is focused on finishing a strong season, insisting the league remains must-watch basketball—even without a WNBA crossover star on the court.