Cooper Flagg is one of the most talked-about young basketball players in the United States. As he prepares to begin his college career at Duke University, he is already making headlines off the court. Thanks to new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules, Flagg is earning large amounts of money through sponsorships and brand deals.
Some reports suggest he may already be earning more than what he would make in his first year as an NBA rookie. His rising popularity, combined with strong support from brands, has helped him build a powerful personal brand even before playing his first college game. This early success is changing how young athletes approach their careers and financial future.
Cooper Flagg’s Earnings At Duke
Flagg had a strong year at Duke, not only on the court but also off it. He signed several big deals with top companies. Reports say he earned around 13 million dollars from New Balance and 15 million dollars from Fanatics. That means he made nearly 28 million dollars in total. These deals made him one of the highest-paid college athletes. This is much more than most expected, and he reached these numbers even before entering the NBA.
More Than An NBA Rookie’s Salary
Flagg is expected to be the number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. If he is picked first, he will likely sign a four-year contract worth about 62 million dollars. His first-year NBA salary will be around 13.8 million dollars. That means he already made more money in college than he will in his first NBA season. This shows how powerful NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals can be for college athletes today.
Why Do Companies Pay So Much?
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Flagg is a top talent. At Duke, he had a great season, averaging over 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. He also won major awards and helped his team reach the Final Four. Companies saw his value and wanted to work with him early. He also worked with other well-known brands like Gatorade, AT&T, and Cort Furniture. His calm personality and focus made him a good choice for brands looking for someone reliable and popular.
Also Read: Kon Knueppel Recalls Eye-Opening Moment Cooper Flagg Took Over Their First Ever Duke Pickup Game
How Does This Change College Sports?
Flagg’s story shows how much has changed in college sports. In the past, college players could not earn money from their name or image. Now, with the new NIL rules, players like Flagg can make millions while still in school. It also shows that athletes do not need to rush into the NBA just to earn money. With the right deals, they can take their time and build their brand first.
What Comes Next For Cooper Flagg?
Even though Flagg earned a lot in college, entering the NBA is still a big step. Experts say that waiting longer could delay even bigger contracts in the future. The longer a player stays in college, the later they start earning from NBA deals. Still, Flagg and his team likely thought about all these things before making decisions. His smart approach has already brought him great success and will likely help him in the future as well.
Also Read: Dallas Mavericks Might’ve Just Tipped Their Hand With Intriguing Cooper Flagg Pre-Draft Move
