Duke freshman Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 prospect in ESPN’s 2025 NBA Draft class, has signed a major endorsement deal with New Balance. The agreement highlights Flagg’s growing influence in the basketball world.

Duke forward Cooper Flagg, widely regarded as the top prospect in ESPN’s 2025 NBA draft class, has secured a major endorsement deal with New Balance according to ESPN.

The partnership is particularly meaningful for Flagg, as it connects him with a brand that has deep roots in his home state of Maine.

The company operates just 25 miles from Flagg’s childhood home in Newport.

“The connection with New Balance as a family company and a company with Maine roots means a lot to me,” Flagg said.

“That makes this really different and special. My mom used to go to the tent sale for back-to-school shopping there when we were kids. That really aligns the brand with my roots. It’s a perfect fit.” he added.

He recently reclassified to enter college a year early and was the only college player and teenager invited to Team USA’s pre-Olympic training camp in Las Vegas.

His performance there, scrimmaging against the United States’ gold medal-winning roster, further solidified his reputation.

New Balance has a history of supporting top young talent across various sports, including Coco Gauff, Tyrese Maxey, and Quincy Wilson.

“As a younger kid, I can think back to dreaming about things like this,” Flagg shared with ESPN. “It’s an incredible opportunity, and I’m really blessed and grateful to be put in this position,” Cooper said.

Flagg’s accomplishments on the court have been equally impressive.

He was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year during his time at Montverde Academy in Florida, where he averaged 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.7 steals, and 3.7 blocks per game in his senior season.