Cooper Flagg Shatters NIL Records with $28 Million Earnings in Freshman Season at Duke
Duke basketball freshman sensation Cooper Flagg has made headlines once again, but this time it’s not just for his on-court dominance. The 6’9″ forward has reportedly earned a staggering $28 million through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals during his lone season at Duke University—a record-breaking figure in college sports.
Flagg, widely considered the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, became a household name even before stepping onto Coach K Court at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Known for his elite athleticism, court vision, and two-way play, Flagg lived up to the hype, averaging 20.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. He helped lead the Blue Devils to the Final Four, reviving Duke’s status as a national powerhouse under head coach Jon Scheyer.
Off the court, Flagg’s marketability soared. He inked major endorsement deals with New Balance, Fanatics, Gatorade, and several tech and apparel brands. His partnership with New Balance included a signature sneaker campaign, marking a first for an NCAA athlete. His massive NIL valuation reflects both his on-court excellence and his clean, charismatic public image.
What sets Flagg apart isn’t just the number of deals, but their impact. Several of his NIL partnerships focused on community outreach and youth basketball development, a sign of his maturity and long-term vision.
Flagg’s $28 million earnings serve as a testament to the transformative power of NIL in college sports. He is not only setting new financial records but also rewriting what’s possible for student-athletes in the modern era. As he prepares for the NBA, Cooper Flagg leaves behind a legacy at Duke that goes beyond basketball—he’s become a blueprint for the next generation of athletes navigating the business of sport.
