NIL has transformed college basketball, with players receiving brand deals left and right. For hoops, a shoe deal is like gold for a player, with the ability to rep the brand on their feet night in and night out.
Cooper Flagg, one of the biggest stars in college basketball, signed a deal with New Balance in late 2024. What does that contract look like, and how does it compare to others in the sport?
Explaining Cooper Flagg’s NIL Deal With New Balance and How It Stacks Up With Other College Basketball Stars
Flagg, nearly three months before he displayed his impressive skills on the basketball court, agreed to an NIL deal with New Balance, securing what will be on his feet for the near future.
View this post on Instagram
His contract is reportedly five years in length, with the first year being paid out solely in NIL and the following four years resembling an endorsement deal similar to contracts that star basketball players attain.
The exact terms of the deal financially have not been released, but it’s one of a few big-name NIL deals Flagg has secured that contribute to his $4.8 million NIL valuation, per On3.
That valuation ranks first in college basketball, ahead of Purdue Boilermakers point guard Braden Smith, Stanford Cardinal senior center Maxime Raynaud, Memphis Tigers redshirt sophomore P.J. Haggerty, and Rutgers Scarlet Knights point guard Dylan Harper, who round out the top five.
In terms of all college sports, Flagg ranks second behind Texas Longhorns’ eventual starting quarterback, Arch Manning, who has an NIL valuation of $6.5 million. Other brand deals that the Blue Devils star has include Gatorade, Fanatics, and the NIL Store.
KEEP READING: What Can’t Cooper Flagg Do? Breaking Down His Versatile Impact
Although most exact contract details aren’t publicized due to NIL regulations, Flagg’s partnership with New Balance surely ranks among the highest in college basketball, as he’s far and away the highest-valued player in the country.
And for good reason — he’s widely-expected to be the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and is considered to be a generational talent. It’s a smart decision for New Balance to ink a rich deal with Flagg, who has hopes of being one of the best players in the NBA in the near future.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
