Cooper Flagg has not only made his mark on college basketball in terms of sport, but has also set new financial standards. According to a report, the Duke star earned an incredible $28 million through NIL deals during his freshman season – more than twice as much as his future first NBA year will bring in.
Cooper Flagg is considered an up-and-coming NBA superstar – and even before the draft, the 18-year-old is already breaking records. According to legendary journalist Howard Bryant, who published the figures during a conversation with Bob Costas, Flagg received $13 million from New Balance alone. He secured another $15 million in a deal with Fanatics.
By way of comparison, as the expected top pick, Flagg will start in the NBA with a four-year contract worth $62.7 million, of which he will receive around $13.8 million in his rookie season. This means he has earned more than twice as much in college – a milestone in the still young era of the “name, image and likeness” (NIL) rule.
The 6-foot-8 forward also impressed on the court, leading the Duke Blue Devils to the Final Four with 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. The Dallas Mavericks, currently holding the first pick, have already indicated that they will not let Flagg slip away.
