The total amount is $28 million.
A recent report revealed that Cooper Flagg earned this sum through NIL deals during his year at Duke.
Fast forward to Wednesday night: Flagg was chosen as the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. The winner of the 2025 Naismith Award, which recognizes the best player in college basketball, is estimated to earn over $62 million through his rookie contract in the next four years. If he lives up to expectations, his second deal could exceed $350 million, and his third contract could surpass $500 million, according to Spotrac’s projections.
These figures are astonishing and might lead Flagg to become the first North American athlete to make $1 billion in on-court earnings. So, what are his strategies for managing such wealth?
On Thursday afternoon, following his draft selection, Flagg announced a new collaboration with Chime, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership focused on financial literacy. To celebrate, Flagg and his mother, Kelly, will appear in the new episode of “Mama, I Made It“, a YouTube series showcasing success stories through the experiences of the mothers behind them.
We had the opportunity to speak with Flagg before his announcement, discussing his partnership with Chime and his experiences as a top athlete in the evolving NIL landscape.
How did you come to partner with Chime?
“This partnership is significant for me. I’ve been earning money for some time now, especially since I entered college. It just felt right to align with Chime as I strive to learn about personal finance.”
Your journey will be featured in the “Mama, I Made It” series. How has your mom impacted your career?
“My mom has been an incredible role model and was my first influence, particularly in basketball. She played Division I at the University of Maine and introduced me to the sport at a young age. She has also been pivotal in teaching me about finances as my visibility increased, establishing a solid support system along the way.”
