Exciting news hit the basketball world on Monday as Duke freshman forward Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, signed a deal with apparel giant New Balance. This lucrative partnership was first reported by ESPN and solidifies Flagg as one of New Balance’s key basketball ambassadors alongside stars like Kawhi Leonard and Jamal Murray.
In an official statement, Flagg expressed his excitement about the collaboration, citing his lifelong connection to the New Balance brand. “I grew up wearing New Balance, and I appreciate their authentic connection to my community. The focus and growth of the brand in basketball and our shared values and history drew me in,” Flagg shared. “From day one, it was clear that this would be a family-like partnership. I’m so excited to join this family and help them grow the category with young athletes.”
Cooper Flagg, The Intelligent Choice. pic.twitter.com/JvvvMM9lfm
— New Balance (@newbalance) August 26, 2024
What makes this partnership even more meaningful is Flagg’s personal connection to New Balance. Growing up just 25 miles from New Balance’s manufacturing plant in Skowhegan, Maine, Flagg’s family tradition included attending the factory’s annual tent sale before each school year. This deep-rooted connection was the perfect backdrop for the promotional content shot by the company in Flagg’s hometown of Newport, Maine.
Naveen Lokesh, New Balance’s head of basketball sports marketing, expressed his enthusiasm for having Flagg on board, highlighting the young star’s potential both on and off the court. “Cooper adds so much to our basketball roster, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the New Balance family,” Naveen said. “He is a force to be reckoned with on the court, and we look forward to building our relationship as he grows the game and supporting him in all endeavors.”
Flagg’s signing with New Balance marks a significant milestone in college athlete partnerships with apparel companies. Following in the footsteps of Paige Bueckers, who secured a signature shoe deal with Nike after signing an NIL contract, Flagg becomes the second college athlete to receive such an honor before suiting up for his team.
This move solidifies Flagg’s status as a rising star in the basketball world, despite not having played a single minute for Duke yet. As the top recruit in his class, Flagg’s potential is sky-high, and all eyes will be on him as he prepares to lead Duke under coach Jon Scheyer’s guidance. With Duke ranked No. 6 in The Athletic‘s preseason top-25 rankings, the stage is set for Flagg to make a significant impact on the college basketball scene.
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(Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images)
