In today’s college sports landscape, NIL deals have become a powerful source of income for rising stars. Duke’s standout freshman Cooper Flagg is now the latest and perhaps most impressive example of this trend.
During an event at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, journalist Howard Bryant revealed the stunning amount Flagg earned through two massive endorsement deals.
“He had a $13 million deal with New Balance and then $15 million with Fanatics,” Bryant said.
REPORT: Cooper Flagg made around $28M in NIL deals at Duke, per @92ndStreetY.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 31, 2025
Holy… 🤯 pic.twitter.com/RF6ElSkcYA
Flagg led Duke to the Final Four while putting up dominant stats. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. His shooting splits are 48% from the field, 39% from three, and 84% from the free-throw line.
His dominant performance contributed to him receiving national player of the year honors. But beyond his performance on the hardwood, what truly turned heads was the financial figure attached to his NIL success.
Fans React To Cooper Flagg’s NIL Earnings
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The reveal of Flagg’s $28 million haul quickly went viral, and social media users flooded platforms with reactions ranging from disbelief to admiration. Fans wasted no time pointing out what this moment meant for the future of college basketball.
“didn’t even have to go to the league,” one fan commented.
didn’t even have to go to the league
— PrizePicks (@PrizePicks) May 31, 2025
Another fan wrote, “NIL just showed what happens behind the scenes in College Basketball.”
NIL just showed what happens behind the scenes in College Basketball
— SportsHub (@Sprts_Hub) May 31, 2025
“He doesn’t need the NBA, The NBA needs him,” one fan wrote.
He doesn’t need the NBA, The NBA needs him
— Baby Bull (@BTCBabyBull) May 31, 2025
“That’s why these kids leaving the draft to go back to college,” one fan implied NIL money is now changing players’ career timelines.
That’s why these kids leaving the draft to go back to college
— VFAM (@vfam_meta) May 31, 2025
“Got the bag before the BAG,” one comment read.
Got the bag before the BAG
— EmotionalSixerFan 🔥😭 (@HarrisMooreMM) May 31, 2025
Cooper Flagg is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. His story may become the blueprint for how future stars approach both college and professional basketball.
