Cooper Flagg Signs New Balance Shoe Sponsorship Deal

Duke freshman forward Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft class, has signed a footwear endorsement deal with New Balance.

Flagg, 17, will join a New Balance brand headquartered near his home state, including a manufacturing facility in Skowhegan, Maine, 25 miles from his parents’ home in Newport.

Duke freshman forward Cooper Flagg reclassifies to attend college a year early

“The connection to New Balance as a family business and a company with roots in Maine means a lot to me,” Flagg told ESPN. “That’s what makes this really different and special.

“My mom used to go to the tent sale for back-to-school shopping when we were kids. That really fits the brand, it fits my roots. It’s a perfect fit.”

Flagg, of course, reclassified a year early to attend college and is a highly touted NBA prospect. At 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, Flagg is an elite two-way prospect with explosive athleticism.

He was the only college player and teenager invited to Team USA’s training camp in preparation for the Olympic Games in Las Vegas.

Cooper Flagg, The Intelligent Choice. photo.twitter.com/JvvvMM9lfm

— New Balance (@newbalance) August 26, 2024

Additionally, Flagg is required to wear Nike on Duke’s court and in all team-related activities.

“Cooper is a tremendous asset to our basketball team and we are thrilled to welcome him to the New Balance family,” said Naveen Lokesh, Head of Basketball Sports Marketing.

“He is a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. We look forward to building our relationship as he grows the game and supporting him in all his endeavours.”

As a child, Cooper’s mother took him and his brothers to New Balance

According to a New Balance press release, Cooper’s mother took him to New Balance’s annual tent sale in Skowhegan as a child to buy the entire family a pair of shoes and a backpack for the school year.

“I grew up with New Balance and value their authentic connection to my community. I was drawn to the brand’s focus and growth in basketball and our shared values ​​and history,” Flagg added.

“From day one it was clear that this would be a family-like partnership. I am so excited to join this family and help them grow the category with young athletes.”

Additionally, changes to the NCAA’s name, image and likeness (NIL) rules in 2021 made sponsorship deals like this possible for college athletes. Other top athletes who signed with New Balance include Coco Gauff, Jamal Murray, Quincy Wilson and Tyrese Maxey.

“As a younger guy, I can look back and dream about things like this,” Flagg told ESPN. “It’s an incredible opportunity. … I’m really blessed and grateful to be put in this position.”

Cooper will collaborate with New Balance on lifestyle expansions and community initiatives

In addition to being featured in New Balance’s basketball marketing campaigns, Cooper Flagg will also collaborate with the brand on lifestyle extensions and community initiatives, focusing on programs that give back to young athletes.

Flagg was named Gatorade National Player of the Year at Montverde Academy in Florida during his senior season after averaging 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.7 steals and 3.7 blocks per game. He was also named USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year in 2022.

Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, New Balance has 9,000 employees worldwide. In 2023, the company reported global revenues of $6.5 billion.

In addition, New Balance owns five athletic footwear factories in New England and one in Flimby, UK