BIG3 co-founder Jeff Kwatinetz has revealed that Caitlin Clark stood to make a lot more than the $5 million reported ahead of the WNBA Draft.
Reports claimed Clark received a proposal that would have paid her the aforementioned amount had she agreed to a deal with the veteran’s basketball league. The former Iowa star would have still been able to play in the WNBA had she accepted, though the latter would have likely frowned upon her decision as the NBA and BIG3 aren’t on great terms.
According to Kwatinez, the player stood to make at least $15 million because she would have a two-year salary worth $10 million plus ownership in a team, half of the merchandise revenue, and a stake in a BIG3 documentary with a seven-figure advance.
The BIG3 co-founder claimed in an article for OutKick that he believes the agents and executives controlling the sport never outlined the offer to Clark, which has resulted in a massive personal loss for the player.
He also pointed out that two-time Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman would coach Clark.
Why Caitlin Clark Didn’t Accept The Offer
Caitlin Clark has since been drafted by the Indiana Fever and will soon debut in the WNBA.
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According to Kwatinetz, the player’s agents didn’t go for the BIG3 deal because they preferred to remain in the NBA’s good graces, with Commissioner Adam Silver also being accused of trying to sabotage the BIG3’s success.
Also Read: Also Read: Social Media Is Blasting The WNBA Over How Much They Pay League Executive Compared To Caitlin Clark
“A simple meeting with us would have better and more immediately impacted ALL female athletes,” he writes. “A simple sixty minutes would’ve given her leverage either by the threat of true competition with another league, or by the promise of exponentially calling her own market value.
“This could have set a precedent for the WNBA, prompting necessary changes in compensation and treatment. With the WNBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement discussions on the horizon, the timing couldn’t have been more opportune.”
Kwatinetz claims that the NBA will risk the destruction of women’s basketball to make sure it crushes the BIG3. Still, the latter will continue to promote diversity and inclusion while providing more opportunities for everyone.
