Cooper Flagg’s NIL Earnings at Duke: A New Era in College Basketball

In a groundbreaking development for collegiate athletics, Duke University’s freshman basketball sensation, Cooper Flagg, reportedly earned an astonishing $28 million through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals during his single season with the Blue Devils. This unprecedented figure not only underscores Flagg’s immense marketability but also signals a transformative shift in the financial landscape of college sports.

 

Flagg’s NIL income was primarily driven by two major endorsements: a $13 million deal with New Balance and a $15 million agreement with Fanatics. These partnerships highlight the lucrative opportunities now available to top-tier college athletes in the NIL era.

 

Beyond these marquee deals, Flagg expanded his endorsement portfolio with collaborations involving Gatorade, Cort Furniture, and The NIL Store. Notably, he made history as the first male college basketball player to sign with Gatorade, joining an elite roster of athletes and further cementing his status as a marketing powerhouse.

 

On the court, Flagg’s performance matched his off-court success. He led Duke in all major statistical categories, averaging 18.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. His standout season earned him the National Player of the Year award and propelled Duke to the NCAA Final Four.

 

As Flagg transitions to the professional ranks, he is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, with the Dallas Mavericks holding the top selection. His anticipated rookie contract is estimated at $62.7 million over four years, averaging approximately $16 million annually. Interestingly, this figure is less than his reported earnings during his freshman year at Duke, highlighting the significant financial opportunities now available to college athletes through NIL agreements.

 

Flagg’s remarkable earnings and endorsements underscore a new era in college athletics, where elite players can achieve substantial financial success before turning professional. His case exemplifies the evolving dynamics of collegiate sports, where talent and marketability converge to redefine traditional pathways to professional careers.

 

For fans looking to celebrate Flagg’s collegiate legacy, various merchandise options are available:

 

### [Men’s Duke Blue Devils 2025 #2 Cooper Flagg Black Swingman Player Jersey]()

*£37.50*

 

### [Duke #2 Cooper Flagg Basketball Jersey]()

*£25.00*

 

### [Men’s Cooper Flagg Jersey #2 Duke Blue Devils College Basketball White]()

*£53.98*

 

### [Cooper Flagg Slam Hoodie]()

*£29.50*

 

### [Cooper Flagg Duke Blue Devils Men Jersey Stitched Size Large]()

*£31.05*These items offer fans a chance to own a piece of Flagg’s historic college basketball journey.