Duke Star Cooper Flagg’s Big Announcement Hit With Intriguing Twist

Cooper Flagg is about to begin his freshman season of college basketball as a member of the Duke Blue Devils. He is also widely projected as the top pick in the 2025 NBA draft, so a lot of eyes will be focused on Flagg this season.

On Monday, it was announced that Flagg has signed an endorsement deal with New Balance to become the face of the company for years to come.

However, the deal comes with a bit of an intriguing twist . Since Duke is sponsored by Nike, Flagg is required to wear Nike during games, per a report from Adam Zagoria of NJ.com.

"It is notable that Flagg did not sign with Nike -- which has an endorsement deal with Duke through 2027 and is the biggest player in the sneaker business," Zagoria wrote. "Flagg is required to wear Nike on court at Duke and anything team related. Off court he can wear anything he likes."

One source even told Zagoria, “I would expect to see him rocking his New Balance regularly."

Nike has landed big names essentially every season, but Flagg picking New Balance over Nike is a bit of a surprise.

On the other hand, Flagg is from Newport, Maine, and New Balance has a manufacturing plant in Skowhegan, Maine, just 25 miles from his hometown.

Flagg also revealed that was a reason for him picking New Balance, per Zagoria: “The connection with New Balance as a family company and a company with Maine roots means a lot to me,” Flagg stated.

Other New Balance athletes include tennis star Coco Gauff and NBA stars Tyrese Maxey and Jamal Murray, but Flagg appears set to become the face of the company for years to come if he turns out to be as good as expected.

Unfortunately, fans wanting to see Flagg sporting New Balances at Duke will have to wait due to their ties with Nike.

Related: Cooper Flagg Names Unexpected Favorite Player From Team USA Practice