Cooper Flagg’s NIL Deals Total $28M at Duke, Setting New College Record
Cooper Flagg is not just lighting up the court; he’s also making history in his early days at Duke by becoming one of the richest college athletes ever. The basketball prodigy, as reported by seasoned sports journalist Howard Bryant, has landed a jaw-dropping $28 million in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contracts while playing for the Blue Devils.
This astronomical total has left fans and analysts alike doing double-takes, particularly after Bryant let slip during a chat with Bob Costas that the earlier projection from On3 pegged Flagg’s earnings at a mere $4.8 million—quite the understatement!
“He had a $13 million deal with New Balance and then $15 million with Fanatics,” Bryant detailed, illustrating the impressive breadth of Flagg’s endorsement deals. These contracts aren’t just for now; they’re set to accompany him into his future, making for a lucrative longevity few college players have seen
Flagg’s Rising Market Value
Standing tall at 6-foot-9 from Newport, Maine, this basketball whiz inked his hallmark agreement with New Balance in August 2024, after shopping around with other brands waving seven-figure deals. Then, in January 2025, Fanatics jumped on board with an “exclusive, multi-year” pact, focusing on memorabilia and trading cards.
Flagg also shattered barriers as the first NCAA men’s basketball player to secure an NIL deal with Gatorade before the 2024-25 season even tipped off. His sponsorship roster doesn’t stop there, boasting names like Cort Furniture, The NIL Store, and AT&T, adding layers to his already diverse income portfolio.
Looking Ahead to the NBA
With the 2025 NBA Draft looming, Flagg is widely tipped to go first overall, setting the stage for a lush four-year rookie deal likely worth around $62.7 million, with a hefty $13.8 million coming his way in the opening year, according to experts. Signs point to the , fresh off their victory in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, as the team poised to scoop him up, letting Flagg blend his burgeoning NBA paycheck with his robust NIL earnings.
Throughout his solitary season at Duke, Flagg was a force of nature. He clocked an average of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game, propelling the Blue Devils to the Final Four. His electrifying play earned him multiple player of the year accolades, including the coveted John R. Wooden Award and the Naismith Trophy.
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