During his lone season at Duke University, Cooper Flagg reportedly earned an extraordinary $28 million through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, positioning him among the highest-earning amateur athletes in history .
Flagg’s substantial earnings were primarily derived from two major endorsements: a $13 million deal with New Balance and a $15 million agreement with Fanatics . He also secured additional partnerships with Gatorade, Cort Furniture, and The NIL Store, further enhancing his financial portfolio .
This financial success underscores the transformative impact of NIL opportunities in collegiate athletics, allowing top-tier athletes like Flagg to amass earnings comparable to early-career NBA professionals. Notably, Flagg’s reported $28 million in NIL income surpasses the estimated $10.5 million earned by the previous year’s NBA first draft pick .
Despite his significant earnings, Flagg remained focused on his performance, leading Duke to the NCAA Final Four and earning National Player of the Year honors. He is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, with expectations of signing a four-year, $62.7 million rookie contract .
Flagg’s NIL earnings highlight the evolving landscape of college sports, where athletes can achieve substantial financial success while maintaining their amateur status. 
