“$28 MILLION?! Cooper Flagg Secures Massive Payday at Duke — Howard Bryant Reveals Blue Devils’ Freshman Phenom May Be the Richest College Hoops Star Ever 💰🔥”
Durham, N.C. — In what may be the most astonishing revelation of the new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era in college basketball, ESPN’s Howard Bryant has reported that Duke freshman phenom Cooper Flagg could be raking in a jaw-dropping $28 million during his time in Durham.
The news has sent shockwaves across the college sports landscape, as the 17-year-old prodigy — widely regarded as the best high school recruit since LeBron James — is not only living up to the hype on the court, but also cashing in like no player before him.
The NIL Gold Rush: Cooper Flagg Leads the Charge
According to Bryant, Flagg’s valuation includes a mix of lucrative endorsement deals, national brand campaigns, exclusive merchandise rights, and possible future digital content partnerships. If accurate, this puts Flagg in a league of his own, eclipsing the earnings of any college athlete to date — even those in revenue-heavy sports like football.
“The number floating around is $28 million, and it’s not far-fetched,” Bryant said in a recent podcast appearance. “This is the new normal for generational talents like Flagg in the NIL era.”
A Generational Talent on and off the Court
Standing 6’9” with elite athleticism, skill, and defensive prowess, Cooper Flagg has already been crowned the likely No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. He committed to Duke with fanfare in October 2023 and has been a media sensation ever since.
His presence alone has boosted the Blue Devils’ preseason rankings, ticket sales, and merchandise numbers. Analysts believe that his marketability, clean image, and future NBA stardom have made him a magnet for sponsors eager to align with the next face of basketball.
Major brands in athletic apparel, technology, and sports nutrition are reportedly inking multi-million dollar deals with the young star. NIL experts suggest that Flagg’s social media presence, which continues to grow daily, plays a huge role in his commercial value.
Impact on Duke and the NCAA Landscape
Duke has always been a destination for top-tier talent, but the Flagg phenomenon has elevated the program to an entirely new level of visibility in the NIL era. His arrival may signal a transformative shift in college basketball economics, where elite recruits can now command salaries rivaling those of NBA rookies — without ever leaving campus.
While the $28 million figure hasn’t been officially confirmed, insiders suggest it includes:
Appearance fees and sponsorships
Equity in emerging athletic startups
Social media content monetization
Personal brand and clothing line deals
If the projections hold true, Flagg could leave Duke as the most financially successful player in NCAA history, all before ever signing a professional contract.
What This Means for the Future
Cooper Flagg’s reported earnings set a precedent that will redefine recruiting, brand partnerships, and player empowerment. The NIL revolution is no longer hypothetical — it’s fully here, and Flagg is its brightest symbol.
As Duke gears up for what could be a championship run with Flagg leading the way, one thing is certain: he’s not just playing for banners — he’s building a legacy that could change the game forever.
