Cooper Flagg NIL: $28M Duke Earnings Explained
- Former Duke basketball standout Cooper Flagg, projected as the No.
- Bryant,speaking with Bob Costas,specified a $13 million agreement with New Balance and $15 million with Fanatics.
- Prior to turning pro, Flagg's estimated NIL valuation stood around $5 million, already the highest in college basketball.
Cooper flagg’s NIL earnings at Duke have soared, with estimates reaching a staggering $28 million. This figure, highlighted by sports analyst Howard Bryant, reflects lucrative deals, including a $13 million agreement with New Balance and a $15 million partnership with Fanatics. Before turning pro,Flagg was already the top earner in college basketball; these expanded agreements with the brand underscore the important value attached to his name,image,and likeness. Learn how these deals, announced in January, position him with other exclusive athletes. The landscape of college sports changed after the NCAA decision paved the way for athletes to profit from their NIL.These numbers highlight the evolving financial dynamics for college athletes. News Directory 3 reported on additional critical comments that addressed the value of education. Discover what’s next for this rising star as he prepares for the NBA.
Cooper Flagg’s Hefty NIL Deals at Duke Raise Eyebrows
Updated May 30, 2025
Former Duke basketball standout Cooper Flagg, projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, reportedly secured substantial NIL (Name, Image, likeness) deals during his time in college. Sports journalist Howard Bryant suggested Flagg’s total NIL earnings reached $28 million.
Bryant,speaking with Bob Costas,specified a $13 million agreement with New Balance and $15 million with Fanatics. While the exact terms remain undisclosed,Flagg’s New Balance deal positions him as one of the brand’s premier signature athletes. His Fanatics partnership, announced in January, aligns him with other exclusive athletes like Victor Wembanyama and CJ Stroud.
Prior to turning pro, Flagg’s estimated NIL valuation stood around $5 million, already the highest in college basketball. The revelation of potentially much larger deals underscores the evolving landscape of college sports and athlete compensation.
Flagg, who earned national player of the year honors, averaged 19.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game for duke, leading them to the NCAA Tournament.
“That’s why, at least, it’s more profitable for a woman …a female college basketball player to stay in college and collect the NIL as, because temporarily, the top salary in the WNBA is like $75,000,” Costas said.
Costas also addressed criticisms of NIL deals, arguing that those who decry the figures often overlook the inherent value of a college education. He noted the significant financial investment families make to send their children to college, suggesting the education itself holds considerable worth.
What’s next
Flagg is expected to be a top pick in the upcoming NBA draft, where he will likely continue to build his brand and capitalize on his market value.