Duke freshman, projected No. 1 pick in 2025 Cooper Flagg signs shoe deal with New Balance

Cooper Flagg, the 17-year-old freshman from Duke who is projected to be the No. 1 pick in next June’s NBA draft, has signed a shoe contract before even stepping onto an NCAA court.

Flagg reached a deal with New Balance, a story broken by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and endorsed by New Balance. Part of the reason he signed with New Balance is the company’s connection to his home state of Maine.

“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 aligns the brand with my roots. It’s a perfect fit.”

Flagg is a 6-foot-1 two-way wing who was named Gatorade National Player of the Year during his senior season at Montverde Academy in Florida.

This summer, he stood out as part of the USA Select team that trained with the USA Basketball team that won gold at the Paris Olympics. On a Select roster that included NBA players Jalen Duren (Detroit), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Miami), Brandon Miller (Charlotte), Trey Murphy (New Orleans), Keegan Murray (Sacramento), Brandin Podziemski (Golden State), Jalen Suggs (Orlando) and Amen Thompson (Houston), Flagg stood out as one of the best players on that roster. He was impressive in exhibition games against Team USA, looking as good or better than any of the pros.

Flagg figures to be an NBA franchise cornerstone in a draft with a handful of players who have that potential (Ace Baley at Rutgers, VJ Edgecombe at Baylor, Dylan Harper at Rutgers). Thanks to the NIL, Flagg doesn’t have to waste a year of his earning potential on the amateur side before turning pro; he’s making money now. And a signature shoe is likely in his future.