Could Cooper Flagg Become the NBA’s Next Billion-Dollar Star? Projected Career Earnings by Age 32 Are Simply Insane 🤯💰
Cooper Flagg hasn’t even played an NBA minute yet, but according to new projections, basketball’s most anticipated young star could be on track to achieve something only a handful of athletes in history have done — crack the billion-dollar mark by his early 30s.
According to data from @spotrac, if Flagg lives up to the hype and secures expected max extensions at every stage of his career, his total NBA earnings could approach an eye-popping $930 million by the time he turns 32.
And that doesn’t even include endorsements, investments, or off-court revenue streams.
Breaking Down the Billion-Dollar Path
Here’s how Flagg’s projected earnings could shake out, assuming he follows a superstar trajectory:
💵 Rookie Deal (2025-2029): $62 million
💵 First Supermax (30% of Cap, 2029-2035): $359 million
💵 Second Supermax (35% of Cap, 2035-2041): $509 million
Total Projected NBA Salary by Age 32: $930 million
Given continued growth in the NBA’s salary cap — fueled by massive media rights deals and global expansion — these figures, while staggering, are becoming more realistic for elite players.
Flagg’s Talent Justifies the Hype
The 6’9″ phenom from Newport, Maine, has been labeled a generational talent, drawing comparisons to players like Kevin Durant and Luka Dončić for his unique blend of size, skill, and versatility.
After going No. 1 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft to the Dallas Mavericks, Flagg’s arrival has electrified the league — and brands, fans, and executives are already projecting a superstar trajectory both on and off the court.
The Billionaire Athlete Era Has Arrived
Should Flagg hit these financial milestones, he would join an exclusive club of athletes — including LeBron James, Tiger Woods, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi — to surpass $1 billion in career earnings.
The difference? Flagg could hit that mark purely through NBA contracts, without even factoring in sponsorships, signature shoe deals, or media ventures.
Caution: Projections, Not Guarantees
While the numbers are jaw-dropping, several factors must align for Flagg to reach these heights:
✅ Staying healthy over a 10-15 year career
✅ Developing into a consistent All-NBA, MVP-caliber player
✅ League-wide salary cap growth continuing as projected
✅ Securing multiple Supermax contract extensions
But if the basketball world has learned anything, it’s that generational talents like Flagg often exceed expectations — both on the court and in the bank.
Whether or not Cooper Flagg becomes the NBA’s next billion-dollar star, one thing is clear — the economics of professional basketball are evolving rapidly.
For Flagg, the potential to dominate the sport and reshape its financial landscape is already on the table — and he hasn’t even stepped on the court yet.
The league — and the business world — will be watching closely.
