The numbers are in, and they’re jaw-dropping! Former Duke star Cooper Flagg’s estimated NIL contracts have been revealed, and they’re nothing short of astonishing. According to sports journalist Howard Bryant, Flagg raked in a whopping $28 million in NIL deals during his time at Duke. That’s right; the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is set to make a fortune.
Bryant broke down the numbers, revealing that Flagg had a $13 million deal with New Balance and a staggering $15 million deal with Fanatics. These multiyear contracts are a testament to Flagg’s market value and his potential to become one of the biggest stars in the NBA. Flagg’s previous estimated NIL valuation was around $5 million, making him the highest-paid player in college basketball. But this new figure is more than five times that amount, showcasing the immense value he brings to the table. As one of the most talented players in the country, Flagg’s earning potential is seemingly limitless.
The revelation of Flagg’s NIL deals has sparked a broader conversation about the value of college athletics and the role of NIL in shaping the landscape of college sports. Bob Costas weighed in on the issue, highlighting the disparity between men’s and women’s college basketball and the challenges faced by female athletes. “It’s more profitable for a woman, a female college basketball player to stay in college and collect the NIL because, for the time being, the top salary in the WNBA is like $75,000,” Costas said. “Now, it will go up a bit, and if you’re Caitlin Clark, it doesn’t matter, and a few others because their deals carry over.”
Costas also touched on the criticism surrounding NIL deals, saying that some people are okay with the corruption but not the chaos these figures have caused in recruiting and player retention. “People would say, ‘Everybody is profiting off of this except for the athletes.’ That implicitly says this whole thing is a sham and that the education itself has no value.”
Flagg’s massive deals are a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. As he prepares to enter the NBA, his earning potential will only continue to grow. With his impressive stats, including a team-best 19.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, Flagg is set to become one of the biggest stars in the league. The numbers don’t lie – Cooper Flagg is a game-changer, both on and off the court. As the NIL landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that top athletes like Flagg are reaping the benefits. With his impending NBA career and massive deals, Flagg is set to make a fortune and leave a lasting impact on the sport.
The question is: what’s next for this talented young player? One thing is certain – Cooper Flagg’s future is bright, and his bank account is about to get a whole lot bigger.
