Duke's Cooper Flagg Signs Historic Gatorade Deal

Duke freshman Cooper Flagg, hailed as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has made headlines by becoming the first men's college basketball player to sign an NIL deal with Gatorade, in addition to securing partnerships with New Balance and Cort Furniture. Flagg, who has an NIL valuation of $2.6 million, expressed excitement about aligning with Gatorade, a brand he has long admired. Despite not having played a college game yet, he is already a central figure in Duke's quest for a national title, contributing to the team’s reputation as a top contender. Flagg's impressive high school performances and his recent exhibition games have heightened expectations for his debut, which is set for November 4 against Maine. Duke coach Jon Scheyer has praised Flagg's unique talent and ability to elevate his teammates, further solidifying his status as a generational prospect. The combination of Flagg's on-court potential and lucrative NIL deals illustrates the changing landscape for college athletes today.