Ice Cube Sets the Record Straight with Angel Reese: The Realities Behind Fame, Endorsements, and WNBA Comparisons to Caitlin Clark

The world of women’s basketball is exploding with talent and drama. At the center of it all are two names: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. But recently, headlines have blared: “Ice Cube PUTS Angel Reese IN HER PLACE As MAJOR DEALS CANCELLED! She’s Not Caitlin Clark!” What’s really happening behind the scenes? Has Angel Reese’s rise hit a wall, or is this a story more about business, image, and the harsh reality of sports celebrity in 2024?

Let’s set the record straight and dive into the real story behind Angel Reese, her career trajectory, her dealings with hip-hop mogul Ice Cube, and the underlying comparisons to Caitlin Clark.

The Meteoric Rise: Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark

There’s no denying both women have become megastars in college basketball. Caitlin Clark, with her jaw-dropping long-range shots and record-shattering stats, quickly became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer and a media darling. Brands immediately flooded to her; Clark symbolizes a new generation of American basketball and has inked lucrative deals with giants like Nike, State Farm, and Gatorade.

Angel Reese, the charismatic and fiercely competitive LSU forward—known as “Bayou Barbie”—brought equal flashes of brilliance and leadership, famously leading LSU to a national championship in 2023. Her unapologetic confidence, competitive fire, and dynamic play made her a social media sensation. Endorsements followed, from major fashion collaborations to energy drinks, making her one of the highest-paid college athletes through the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rules.

Ice Cube Enters the Chat: The BIG3 Offer

Then, Ice Cube—legendary rapper, actor, and founder of the BIG3 basketball league—made headlines. He reportedly offered both Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese ground-breaking million-dollar contracts to join the BIG3, a league typically reserved for men and retired NBA stars. This was unprecedented: two college stars being courted for both their basketball skills and their marquee value.

But after the news broke, controversy ensued. Critics speculated whether these offers were serious or simply a headline-grabbing stunt by Ice Cube to boost the BIG3’s profile. For Reese and Clark, the decision was more nuanced—they both had just been drafted into the WNBA with high expectations. That’s when the public narrative began to shift, especially for Reese.

Major Deals Cancelled? Social Media vs. Reality

As Clark’s endorsement portfolio continued to balloon, rumors swirled that some of Reese’s deals were “cancelled” or put on “pause.” But is that true?

Here’s what’s really happening:

1. The Caitlin Clark Effect: Clark’s unprecedented popularity caused brands to recalibrate their marketing spend. Her historic performances made her the safe bet for massive campaigns, naturally overshadowing other athletes. This isn’t a slight against Reese, but rather a business decision based on reach, influence, and public perception. Marketers often go all-in on a breakout star, and right now, Clark is that star.

2. Reese’s Outspoken Image: Angel Reese’s on-court bravado and off-court confidence have both built her brand and, occasionally, brought backlash. When Reese taunted Clark during the NCAA finals in 2023, some celebrated her passion while others criticized her sportsmanship—a double standard that often plagues women, especially women of color, in sports. Some conservative brands hesitated, waiting for the “noise” to settle before renewing deals. However, Reese’s authentic approach continues to resonate with many fans.

3. No Confirmed “Cancelled” Deals: Despite the viral headlines, there is no concrete evidence that Reese has lost major sponsorships. She remains a face of brands like Coach and Reebok. The reality is, most athletes—especially those in the limelight—see ebbs and flows in endorsements based on performance, public perception, and shifting brand strategies.

Ice Cube’s Response: Lifting Women in Basketball

Ice Cube, never one to shy from controversy, made it clear that his goal wasn’t to “put Angel Reese in her place,” as tabloids suggested. Instead, he’s been an advocate for athletes, regardless of gender, finding new platforms beyond traditional leagues. After criticism about targeting Clark for the BIG3 offer, Ice Cube publicly invited Angel Reese and others to join as well, stating:

“Women in basketball deserve the bag just like the men. We’re here to break barriers, not reinforce them…”

His league is, at its core, about giving talent of all backgrounds new avenues to shine—and to earn.

“She’s Not Caitlin Clark!”: Why These Comparisons Need to Stop

The constant comparison between Reese and Clark is both flattering and damaging. It’s true: Caitlin Clark’s game draws eyes with her Steph Curry-like range and impossible highlight reels; Angel Reese is a physical, dominant force with charisma and leadership unlike anyone else in the NCAA. Their differences are what make women’s basketball exciting.

Moving Forward: The Highs and Lows of Visibility

For Angel Reese, the lesson is twofold:

1. The limelight comes with scrutiny; every move, tweet, or post is under a microscope.

She’s not just competing for rebounds, but for attention, endorsements, and narrative control in an ever-competitive media space.

Reese herself has addressed the “hate,” maintaining:

“I’m authentically myself, and if that’s too much for some people, I’m not going to change.”

That attitude resonates with her core fanbase—and with brands that understand the power of authenticity.

The Real Story: More Allies Than Rivals

Despite media efforts to pit them against one another, both Clark and Reese have shown respect for each other as competitors. The real challenge isn’t who outshines whom in the endorsement game, but whether women’s basketball can maintain its momentum and push the WNBA—and other leagues—to reward players of all styles, backgrounds, and personalities.

Final Thoughts

Angel Reese’s journey is far from a cautionary tale. If anything, it’s an illustration of how complicated and fraught the path to fame can be, especially in a media landscape desperate for drama. Ice Cube’s offers, the shifting endorsement deals, and the relentless Clark-Reese comparisons all say one thing: women’s basketball is hotter than ever.

And that, more than any headline, is the story worth celebrating.