Cooper Flagg – Duke NIL Deals, Net Worth, Player Information Overview and Insights
Cooper Flagg has shot to the top of college basketball’s must-watch list. He’s not just making noise at Duke—he’s also raking in huge endorsement deals.
During his one season at Duke, Flagg pulled in an estimated $28 million from NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) contracts. That includes a record partnership with New Balance and a multi-million dollar agreement with Fanatics.
He now ranks among the highest-earning college athletes in the country.
Fans and analysts are buzzing about whether Flagg’s game can live up to his off-court business moves. He entered Duke as the nation’s top freshman, and his highlight plays plus those big sponsorships have changed the bar for what’s possible in college sports.
For anyone even half-interested in how college basketball is evolving, Cooper Flagg’s NIL journey at Duke is honestly pretty wild.
Contents
Cooper Flagg’s Player Profile
Cooper Flagg is everywhere in college hoops conversations right now. He’s making waves at Duke and already showing up on NBA draft boards.
His background, style of play, and early awards all help explain why he’s so different from the rest.
Background and Early Basketball Career
Flagg grew up in Maine, and it didn’t take long for him to get noticed in New England high school basketball. At Nokomis Regional High School, he led the team to a state championship as a freshman.
His work ethic and skill set were obvious right away.
He later transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida, a school known for producing top basketball talent. That move put him up against tougher competition and seriously raised his profile.
College scouts started tracking him closely. Facing top prospects, Flagg proved he belonged among the nation’s elite even before he arrived at Duke.
Position, Playing Style, and Strengths
Flagg mostly plays forward, but he’s got the versatility coaches dream about. At 6-foot-9, he can bang with bigger guys but still keep up with guards.
He reads the floor well, times his defensive plays, and isn’t afraid to push the ball in transition.
He’s known for being well-rounded. Flagg can finish at the rim, shoot it from outside, and set up teammates.
On defense, he’s an elite shot-blocker and a smart rebounder. His basketball IQ and relentless energy make him valuable on both sides of the ball.
| Season (Duke) | Games | Points Per Game | Rebounds | Assists | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 32 | 19.2 | 8.7 | 3.1 | 3.4 |
All-American Honors and Awards
During his time at Duke, Flagg stacked up the honors. He became a consensus All-American, which is pretty rare for a freshman.
He landed in the mix for major college basketball awards, including Player of the Year.
Flagg also took home ACC Freshman of the Year and a handful of national freshman awards. These boosted his profile for the NBA draft.
His trophy shelf filled up fast as he dominated both ends of the court.
Duke Blue Devils and College Career
Cooper Flagg’s decision to play for Duke turned heads across college basketball. His first year brought big performances, national buzz, and some record-breaking moments for the Blue Devils.
Commitment and Recruitment to Duke
Flagg was one of the hottest recruits in the 2024 class. As a five-star prospect out of Maine, he had offers from all the big names—UConn, Kentucky, and more.
His commitment to Duke showed the school’s reputation for producing NBA pros and chasing national titles still matters. When Flagg picked Duke, it made headlines everywhere.
The recruiting process highlighted both his skills and Duke’s pull. Head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff convinced Flagg with their vision and their history of developing players.
Role on the Blue Devils
Flagg started right away as a freshman, playing both forward spots. His versatility on offense and defense stood out.
He averaged over 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. Flagg’s court vision and decision-making kept Duke in close games.
He often guarded the other team’s best player, especially in ACC and NCAA tournament matchups.
The coaches leaned on his maturity and high basketball IQ. His presence lifted the whole team, and you could tell teammates and fans noticed.
2024–25 Key Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 17.2 |
| Rebounds | 8.5 |
| Blocks | 2.3 |
| Assists | 3.1 |
| FG Percentage | 51% |
Achievements During College Season
Flagg’s only college season was packed with honors. He won ACC Freshman of the Year and made the All-ACC First Team.
Duke reached the Final Four, with Flagg making clutch plays in both the ACC and NCAA tournaments. The team’s strong run had them close to a national championship shot.
Flagg set Duke freshman records for blocks and total points in a season. His style drew NBA comparisons, and scouts started projecting him as a future first-round pick.
He was a huge reason Duke made such a deep postseason run.
NIL Deals and Endorsement Partnerships
Flagg’s mix of on-court talent and growing national profile has already landed him major NIL deals. These partnerships put him among the most valuable college athletes in recent memory.
Major NIL Deals: Gatorade and New Balance
Gatorade and New Balance are his headline endorsements. Both brands are heavy hitters in the sports world.
Gatorade signed Flagg to a multi-year deal, putting him in campaigns with NBA and WNBA stars. Gatorade likes athletes with big-time national appeal, and Flagg’s rise made him a no-brainer.
He appears in TV ads, social media pushes, and in-store promotions.
New Balance inked a deal with Flagg as soon as he hit Duke’s campus. The partnership includes custom gear, exclusive shoe drops, and digital content.
The New Balance agreement helps him reach younger fans and aligns him with a brand known for spotlighting up-and-coming college talent.
| Brand | Deal Type | Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| Gatorade | Multi-year, endorsements | National TV, digital, retail |
| New Balance | Apparel and shoes | Social, in-store, digital activations |
Valuation and Impact on Brand Marketability
Flagg’s NIL value sits between $4.8 and $5.9 million, depending on who you ask. That puts him right near the top among all college athletes.
Being tied to brands like Gatorade and New Balance gives his profile even more weight. These deals let him earn while building a national following, and they help Duke’s recruiting and exposure too.
Flagg’s campaigns have boosted his social media engagement and even led to bigger crowds at Duke games. His commercial success is setting a new standard for freshmen.
Sporting News reported that Flagg’s five-known NIL deals are worth $4.8 million.
Relationship With On3 NIL Rankings
On3, which tracks NIL values, consistently lists Flagg among the most valuable athletes in college hoops. Their rankings factor in social media reach, media coverage, and major brand deals.
As of mid-2025, Flagg holds the number two spot among all NIL-eligible athletes, just behind Texas quarterback Arch Manning, per On3’s NIL Top 10 rankings.
His estimated earnings put him ahead of most other big-name prospects.
Flagg’s climb in the rankings shows the strength of his deals and his growing influence. His steady presence in these lists is a good sign for his appeal to both fans and sponsors.
Net Worth and Financial Impact
Cooper Flagg’s rise in college basketball has changed his financial outlook in a big way. His earnings mostly come from NIL deals, putting him in a different league than most college athletes.
Estimated Earnings From NIL
Flagg’s net worth in 2025 is pegged at about $4.8 million. That’s thanks to high-profile endorsements, including New Balance and several other big brands.
It’s almost unheard of for a college freshman to reach this kind of number.
Most of his income is tied to NIL agreements, letting college athletes profit from their brand, social media, and on-court success. Flagg’s deals include sponsored posts, commercials, and branded content, all within NIL rules.
This experience gives him a leg up if he goes pro since he’s already handled big contracts.
Cooper Flagg’s Estimated NIL Earnings
| Year | Estimated NIL Value | Major Sponsors |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $4.8 million | New Balance, others |
You can dig into more about his net worth at Sporting News.
Comparison to Other Top Prospects
Compared to other top prospects, Flagg’s NIL value puts him near the top of the 2025 draft class. Plenty of elite recruits sign endorsement deals these days, but not many get to multi-million-dollar territory this early.
Elite recruits usually earn between $1 million and $2.5 million from NIL. Flagg’s $4.8 million puts him in a class of his own.
He’s earning about twice as much as most of his peers, even before any NBA contract. That’s a sign of how much college sports have shifted with the new NIL rules.
Here’s a quick look at the gap:
| Player | Estimated NIL Earnings |
|---|---|
| Cooper Flagg | $4.8 million |
| Typical Top Recruit | $1-2.5 million |
Flagg’s ability to land major endorsements sets him apart and shows just how different college basketball is now. For more details, check Pulse Sports.
NBA Draft Prospects and Future Outlook
Cooper Flagg stands out as one of the top basketball talents set to enter the NBA soon. His time at Duke, combined with his physical profile, has put him at the center of draft conversations.
2025 NBA Draft Projections
Most expect Flagg to go within the top three picks of the 2025 NBA Draft. Scouts love his advanced skill set on both ends of the court.
He scores, defends, and passes at a level that separates him from most of his peers. Analysts point to his defensive instincts, basketball IQ, and outside shooting as real difference-makers.
Teams craving a versatile, high-upside forward have their eyes glued to his progress. The hype isn’t just talk—his numbers back it up.
Here’s a quick snapshot of Cooper Flagg’s 2024-25 college stats:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points per game | 19.4 |
| Rebounds per game | 7.6 |
| Assists per game | 3.2 |
| Blocks per game | 2.1 |
| Steals per game | 1.6 |
Flagg’s production at Duke makes him a safe bet among draft-eligible players. Some mock drafts even have him at No. 1 overall.
Potential for No. 1 Overall Pick
Flagg’s blend of size, skill, and instincts keeps him in the running for the 2025 NBA Draft top spot. At 6’9″ with a long wingspan, he brings the kind of defensive flexibility NBA teams crave.
His offensive game? It’s polished for his age. He can create his own shot and stretch defenses with a reliable jumper.
Scouts like how quickly he makes decisions and adapts to different roles. If he keeps trending up, he could be the favorite for the first pick.
Flagg’s work ethic and coachability, paired with his athleticism, make him a dream for any team searching for a franchise cornerstone.
One-and-Done Pathway
Flagg took the one-and-done route, spending just a season at Duke before declaring for the draft. It’s a popular move for top prospects chasing a fast jump to the NBA.
He handled the spotlight and pressure at Duke with surprising maturity. NBA front offices noticed how ready he looked for the next level.
By making the most of NIL deals, Flagg set himself up for a smooth leap to the NBA. Playing just one college season didn’t slow down his preparation or draft stock.
NCAA Tournament Performance
Cooper Flagg’s NCAA tournament run with Duke pulled in national attention. His play in high-pressure games and his role in Duke’s deep run made his freshman year one of the most talked-about in recent memory.
Key Games and Highlights
Flagg’s tournament debut sent a message. In the Round of 64, he led Duke in scoring and rebounding—21 points, 9 boards, and 3 blocks.
He showed a knack for making tough shots and defending at a high level. That helped Duke get past a tough mid-major opponent.
In the Sweet 16, Flagg put up a double-double. He scored 18 and grabbed 12 rebounds, sinking clutch free throws in the final minute.
The Elite Eight brought more drama. Flagg pulled off a highlight chase-down block and nailed a go-ahead three, sending Duke to the Final Four for the first time since 2022.
| Game | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Round | 21 | 9 | 2 | 3 |
| Sweet 16 | 18 | 12 | 4 | 2 |
| Elite Eight | 15 | 10 | 3 | 4 |
Media and NBA scouts couldn’t look away from Flagg’s performances.
Impact on Team’s Success
Flagg’s impact went way beyond the box score. He anchored the defense and often took on the toughest matchup.
His leadership and calm under pressure really stood out as Duke made their Final Four run. During the National Championship game, Flagg played heavy minutes and sparked a rally with a fast-break dunk.
He didn’t win the title, but his playmaking and rebounding helped Duke survive some close calls in earlier rounds. Flagg broke double teams, found open teammates, and kept his cool in late-game chaos.
His presence just lifted the team’s confidence. Teammates kept mentioning how he set the tone defensively and kept everyone focused each possession.
Honestly, his freshman season might be one of the most memorable tournament runs Duke’s ever seen.
