JUST IN NOW: Duke sign another deal done just now
Although Duke has had a longstanding relationship with Nike, standout freshman Cooper Flagg chose a different brand for his NIL deal. New Balance announced on Monday that they had signed Flagg, a 6-foot-9 freshman expected to be the top pick in next year’s NBA Draft, to an endorsement deal. “Cooper brings tremendous value to our basketball roster, and we’re excited to welcome him to the New Balance family,” said Naveen Lokesh, head of basketball sports marketing at New Balance. “He’s a dominant presence on the court, and we’re eager to grow our partnership as he advances the game and pursues his goals.” Despite this agreement, which includes Flagg’s participation in New Balance advertisements and marketing campaigns, he will still wear Nike shoes and apparel during Duke’s season, as required by the school’s agreement with Nike. Duke Athletics released a statement saying, “All Duke student-athletes are required to wear Nike footwear and apparel for any team activities, including all practice and competition, per the agreement with Nike.”
Flagg, who played on the Nike EYBL circuit with Maine United before committing to Duke last year, arrived on campus this summer and is already considered a top contender for national player of the year, even before playing a college game. His decision to partner with New Balance aligns with his roots in Maine, where the company is based. Flagg’s hometown of Newport, Maine, is just 25 miles from a New Balance manufacturing facility in Skowhegan. Reflecting on his choice, Flagg stated, “I grew up wearing New Balance and appreciate their genuine connection to my community. The brand’s focus on basketball, along with our shared values and history, drew me in. From the start, it was clear that this would be a family-like partnership. I’m thrilled to join this family and help them expand the brand with young athletes.” New Balance plans to feature Flagg in marketing campaigns, including lifestyle and community-focused initiatives that support young athletes. Flagg joins NBA players like Kawhi Leonard, Jamal Murray, Zach LaVine, Tyrese Maxey, and Darius Garland, along with WNBA player Cameron Brink, as part of New Balance’s roster of athlete endorsers.
Duke kicks off its season on November 4th at home against Maine at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils will also hold their Blue-White scrimmage during Countdown to Craziness on October 4th and have exhibitions scheduled against Lincoln (Pa.) on October 19th and Arizona State on October 27th. Flagg is one of six freshmen on Duke’s roster this season, five of whom were rated among the top 20 recruits in their class, contributing to Duke’s No. 1 recruiting class ranking.