Devendra KumarCooper Flagg’s net worth is estimated at approximately $28 million as of mid-2025, built almost entirely before his first NBA paycheck. He signed at least $28 million in NIL contracts during his single season at Duke, headlined by a $13 million New Balance deal and a $15 million Fanatics deal, plus partnerships with Gatorade, AT&T, and others. His four-year rookie contract with the Dallas Mavericks is worth $62.7 million, starting at $13.8 million in 2025-26.
That’s the short version of the Cooper Flagg net worth story. One season at Duke. Multiple eight-figure contracts. Then the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, landing a $62.7 million rookie deal with the Dallas Mavericks. He’s 19 years old. His career is just starting. And he’s already one of the wealthiest young athletes in American sports history.
Cooper Flagg score 51 points in just 34 minutes against the Orlando Magic. This action made him the NBA’s youngest player ever. LeBron James played his first 50-point game at the age of 20. Kobe Bryant did so at the age of 22. Michael Jordan at 23. Flagg accomplished all of this at just 19 years old.
What Is Cooper Flagg’s Net Worth?
Cooper Flagg’s net worth is estimated at approximately $28 million as of mid-2025. That figure reflects the total value of NIL contracts he signed during his one season at Duke University, before accounting for taxes, agent fees, and the multi-year structure of those deals. His four-year NBA rookie contract adds another $62.7 million on top of that over the next four seasons.
According to Fox Sports, he could become the first North American athlete to earn $1 billion solely from playing contracts. LeBron James achieved a net worth of $1 billion, but a significant portion of that came from endorsements, investments, and his media company (SpringHill).
Cooper Flagg’s NBA Salary and Contract With the Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg signed a 4-year, $62.7 million rookie contract with the Dallas Mavericks in July 2025. The deal includes $28.3 million guaranteed. In his first NBA season (2025-26), he earns a base salary of $13.8 million.
The Dallas Mavericks selected Flagg as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, locking him in on the NBA’s rookie salary scale. Per Spotrac, here’s how his contract breaks down year by year:
Cooper Flagg Mavericks Contract Breakdown
| Season | Base Salary | Cap Hit | Guarantee Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | $13,825,920 | $13,825,920 | Fully guaranteed |
| 2026-27 | $14,500,000 | $14,500,000 | Fully guaranteed |
| 2027-28 | $15,200,000 | $15,200,000 | Team option |
| 2028-29 | $19,200,000 | $19,200,000 | Team option |
| Total | $62,730,226 | $62,730,226 | $28.3M GTD at signing |
To put his Year 1 salary in context, the previous #1 pick, Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks, earned $12.6 million in 2024-25. Flagg earns over $1.2 million more because rookie salaries scale with the league’s revenue year over year.
His rookie contract also comes with significant upside. By 2029, Flagg will be eligible for a supermax extension worth up to 30% of the Mavericks’ salary cap, which could be worth over $359 million over five years, according to Spotrac projections. He’d need to hit specific accolades like All-NBA selections or an MVP award, but given his rookie season numbers, that conversation is already happening.
How He Made $28 Million in College
Cooper Flagg earned an estimated $28 million in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals during his single season at Duke University in 2024-25, making him one of the highest-paid college athletes in NCAA history. His two biggest deals were a $13 million shoe contract with New Balance and a $15 million memorabilia deal with Fanatics.
NIL rules only became legal for college athletes in 2021. That means Flagg had just a few years of eligibility under this system. He used every bit of it. Here’s a full breakdown of every known endorsement deal Flagg signed during his college career.
What are Cooper Flagg’s major NIL brand deals and their values?
Cooper Flagg grew up in Newport, Maine. His mom used to shop the New Balance tent sale for back-to-school sneakers. By the time he was 18, he had a $13 million deal with that same brand.
| Brand / Company | Deal Type | Reported Value |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance | Multi-year shoe and apparel deal | $13 million |
| Fanatics | Exclusive merch, memorabilia, and trading cards | $15 million |
| Gatorade | Endorsement and brand ambassador | Undisclosed |
| AT&T | Brand partnership | Undisclosed |
| Cort Furniture | Lifestyle deal | Undisclosed |
| The NIL Store | “Hometown Hero” merchandise collection | Undisclosed |
| New Era | Apparel partnership | Undisclosed |
In January 2025, Fanatics announced a multi-year deal with Flagg worth a reported $15 million. The partnership covers trading cards and memorabilia, including signed jerseys, game-used items, and his first-ever rookie card through Fanatics-owned Topps. Flagg said he was already a collector himself before signing the deal, which made it feel personal rather than just a business arrangement.
Flagg became the first NCAA men’s basketball player to sign an NIL deal with Gatorade before his first college game at Duke. He joined a roster that includes Caitlin Clark, Jayson Tatum, and Paige Bueckers. The exact value of the deal hasn’t been disclosed publicly.
This is worth comparing to Bronny James’ NIL and rookie earnings, who built a $10 million net worth through a combination of family connections and endorsement deals. Flagg did it purely on his own name and marketability.
Cooper Flagg’s Personal Life
Cooper Flagg’s personal life is quite private. He does not have a confirmed girlfriend. However, according to EssentiallySports, he has been linked to his Montverde Academy classmate Lola Ressler, who plays soccer at Wake Forest University.
His twin brother, Ace Flagg, is the complete opposite in this regard. Ace is publicly in a relationship with his girlfriend, Lizzy Gruber, who plays basketball for the Saint Joseph’s Hawks.
Cooper’s mother, Kelly Flagg, told The New York Times that since it was only his first year of college, Cooper should steer clear of dating. As for marriage and children that is still a long way off.
The importance of financial discipline was a constant lesson from his parents, Ralph Flagg and Kelly Bowman. Kelly believes Cooper ought to use his money appropriately.
Cooper Flagg’s Car, House, and Assets
According to Basketball Network, when Flagg and his mother were interviewed for Chime, Kelly stated clearly: “Do not buy a Bugatti right away.” Kelly set a limit of $180,000 for his first car. Flagg’s own response was $200,000, which was quite close to his mother’s figure. He also mentioned that he is not interested in sports cars.
Flagg stated that he intends to purchase a new home with his NBA salary. His wishlist includes a golf simulator and a hot tub. As of now, there has been no official confirmation regarding any property purchase by him.
As of now, there is no information regarding any confirmed real estate investments or business ventures by Cooper Flagg. He is at the beginning of his career and is adopting a financially conservative approach, a lesson taught to him by his mother.
Final Word
Cooper Flagg walked into his first NBA season already worth an estimated $28 million, entirely from one year of college basketball. His four-year rookie deal adds $62.7 million. His long-term ceiling is close to $1 billion if the first season in Dallas is any indication of what’s coming.
Want more earnings breakdowns like this? Explore all NBA player net worth profiles at MVP Net Worth, updated as contracts are signed and deals are confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flagg signed a four-year rookie contract worth $62,730,226 with the Dallas Mavericks, with $28,343,400 guaranteed.
Flagg’s NIL figure represents the total value of multi-year contracts signed during college.
It’s possible under the best-case scenario. If Flagg earns consistent All-NBA honors and secures a supermax extension in 2029, that deal alone could be worth approximately $359 million.
Devendra Kumar
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